About these guidelines
It is vital that any help provided does not jeopardise natural recovery and feeding is phased out as soon as natural recovery begins.
These guidelines are a summary of a coordinated effort from various state and national organisations including the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE), NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE), Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Wildlife Health Australia (WHA) to provide information on caring for distressed native wildlife in an emergency, such as prolonged drought, or after fire or flood.
These guidelines were developed with input from ecologists, wildlife veterinarians, wildlife nutritionists and rehabilitators and will be updated as new information becomes available.
Prior to providing food for wildlife, take all necessary steps to minimise the risks outlined.
What to avoid when assisting animals in distress
- Do not add electrolytes, “rehydration solutions” or sugar to water sources as they can be harmful to wildlife
- Do not feed wildlife mixtures of peanut butter, honey and rolled oats (known as bait or wildlife balls typically used to attract animals) as they are harmful to some animals
- Never feed raw meat, cooked bones, bread, baked goods, rice, onion/garlic, banana, honey, molasses, sugar, avocado, chocolate, dairy products, or processed foods with artificial sweeteners as they can be harmful or even toxic in some species
- Do not offer unsterilized hays or seeded grasses, fruits or vegetables in bushland areas. Non-native species (some common in hays and poor quality bird seed mixes), can outcompete native plants and destroy bushland
- Do not scatter feed (ie. bird seeds, pellets etc) directly on the ground as this increases risk of disease and attracts unwanted pests
- Avoid providing food where and how feral animal populations may benefit, particularly pigs, goats and deer. These species can aggressively dominate food stations and threaten the recovery of native species. Feral scan provides information on regional distribution of these species
Suitable foods guide
You can also read more about which foods are suitable for supplementary feeding of uninjured wild animals where disaster has temporarily eliminated their food supply.
- Most wildlife is not accustomed to being handled and can become very stressed. Do not feed rescued injured or sick animals or attempt to handle them yourself. They should be transported to a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. If you find an injured animal, and it is safe to do so, contain it in a covered box in a dark, quiet place while waiting for a rescuer or until transporting the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian
- Firegrounds are extremely dangerous. Public is urged not to enter firegrounds to look for injured wildlife.
View additional resources
- Helping injured wildlife on NPWS website, with details on suitable food for native species
- Helping wildlife in emergencies, NSW Environment website
- Licensed wildlife rehabilitators, NSW Government website
- Feeding Wildlife, Victorian Government website
- Feeding wildlife the no-nuisance way, Queensland Government website
- Wildcare Helpline, Western Australia Government
- Emergency Food, Water and Shelter for Wildlife, WIRES Blog
- Let nature feed itself, WIRES Blog
- Learn how to create an arboreal drinker video from Peter Ridgeway
- Build your own wildlife nest box: A guide for Western Sydney, NSW Government, Local Land Services Greater Sydney
- Resources for suitable diets for different species of native wildlife, Healthy wildlife Healthy lives website
- Make your property wildlife friendly, NSW Government website
- Health implications, Queensland Government website
- Biodiversity Conservation Act, NSW Government Website
- Healthy Wildlife Healthy Lives – One Health project
- How to make a water fountain, Arid Recovery website
- Helping Flying-foxes in emergencies, NSW Government website
- Wildlife health Australia guide to supplying water and food for free-living wildlife after natural disasters, Wildlife Health Australia
- Media statement and tips to support fire affected wildlife, Wildlife Health Australia