Heatwave takes toll on native animals

Posted January 17, 2014 09:30:29

Wildlife rescue shelters in Gippsland say they have been inundated with reports of heat stressed native animals.

Koalas and possums are climbing from trees and venturing into yards in search of water.

The president of Wildlife Rescue and Protection, Cheryl Bickham, says the thirsty animals are being attacked by dogs and cats.

She says plenty of water should be left out near trees and if possible not accessible to domestic animals.

"Cats have brought in a possum that's come down for a drink, or the babies, the mother of the possums have left the babies because they can go off and have more babies, so they leave the little ones for this year," she said.

"Dogs and cats bringing in blue-tongue lizards, it's all that stuff, everything needs a drink."

Topics: animals, weather, sale-3850