They are some of the tiniest, most vulnerable victims of the drought, and their numbers are increasing.
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As the big dry continues to grip NSW, native animals are moving closer to populated areas in the search for food and water and their young run the risk of becoming separated from their mothers, or even of being orphaned.
“There are just so many native animals looking for food and water,” a spokesman for the WIRES wildlife rescue organisation said.
The spokesman said he did not have exact figures, but confirmed there was an increase in the number of injured and orphaned animals being brought to WIRES by members of the public.
Wagga WIRES volunteer Glenda Pym was out looking for leaves for an orphaned possum when she spoke to The Daily Advertiser.
She confirmed that the drought was taking its toll on the area’s native wildlife.
“We’re still sadly getting a lot of orphans after their mothers have been hit by vehicles,” Ms Pym said.
It is against the law to keep native animals taken from the wild. They must be passed on to an authorised carer with a licensed wildlife rescue organisation
In Wagga, the staff of the Lake Road Veterinary Clinic often act as a WIRES contact point for members of the public.
Veterinary nurse Brooke Heydon said staff have seen birds, kangaroos joeys, possums and even an echidna.
In each case, the animals were examined and WIRES contacted.
While helping a small injured or orphaned animal was safe, Ms Heydon warned there were exceptions. People should never handle bats – which can carry deadly diseases – or larger kangaroos, wallabies and wombats.
Anyone who finds one of these animals should contact WIRES and pass on its exact location.
However, Ms Heydon said anyone who was concerned a dead female kangaroo may have a live joey in her pouch could check – provided the situation was safe.