The NSW south coast community wanting to help fire-affected wildlife are reminded the only safe way to do so is by using injured wildlife hotlines to only report injured wildlife and by not entering firegrounds.
"It is fantastic to see the overwhelming community support for native wildlife in the post-fire recovery effort," said National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) South Coast Director Kane Weeks.
"There are particular actions that the community can take to help the NPWS and its partners more effectively rehabilitate wildlife.
These actions include:
- Do not enter fire-affected areas until they have been deemed safe by the NSW Rural Fire Service.
- Report sightings of uninjured native wildlife using the Budawang Nature Map so that the NPWS and partners can prioritise recovery efforts.
- Report only instances of injured native wildlife in need of immediate care north of Milton to Wildlife Rescue South Coast on 0418 427 214, and south of Milton to WIRES on 1300 094 737.
- Monetary donations are more helpful than materials or produce for wildlife recovery as these raise logistical challenges. People who wish to donate may do so online with WIRES or Wildlife Rescue South Coast.
- Information about providing support to native wildlife on private property can be found on our webpage Helping wildlife in emergencies.
"The NPWS is currently coordinating efforts with Shoalhaven City Council and Wildlife Rescue South Coast to safely access fire grounds to provide a wildlife response with permission and support from the NSW Rural Fire Service," said Mr Weeks.
