WIRES

Smudge sugar glider amongst some bottle brush flowers.

The Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service's (WIRES) mission is to actively rehabilitate and preserve Australian wildlife and inspire others to do the same. They aim to educate and empower individuals on various aspects of wildlife care.

Below are several resources from WIRES that can help promote harmony amongst Hills residents and wildlife.

Free Online Educational Community Course

The online WIRES Introduction to Australian Wildlife course was designed in conjunction with the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust to help those who have no experience with Australian wildlife.

  • Identify some of our most common species  
  • Learn more about well-known Australian animals  
  • Appreciate how important native animals are to our environment  
  • Ensure their safety and the safety of native animals  
  • Learn how to best assist if they find sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife  

This course takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete.

Domestic Pets and Wildlife

Blue tongue lizard sunbathing on a rock.

Whilst domestic pets such as cats and dogs are beloved by humans for their companionship, they often pose a significant threat to our local wildlife. 

Responsible Pet Ownership

  • Keep your pets indoors at night
  • Provide adequate food and shelter
  • Safe outdoor spaces (Cat Protection Society of NSW)
  • Identification- always identify pets with collars, tags and microchips
  • De-sex your pets to prevent unwanted litters
  • Feeding strays- never feed a stray dog or cat unless you intend to adopt or care for it. Instead, report sightings to local authorities or animal welfare organisations.

Download the factsheet for more information: WIRES Factsheet - Living with Wildlife

Wildlife and Pesticides

Pesticides are designed to control pests. However, these products commonly poison non-target species, including wildlife, through either primary or secondary poisoning. 

Want more information on pesticides? Click here: Wildlife and Pesticides

Driver Awareness

Whilst driving has become a necessary part of daily life, it is important to keep in mind the wildlife that lives on and near roads. Here are a few important things to keep in mind:

  • Drive with caution on both regional and urban roads. Be extra vigilant in the early mornings, late afternoons and through the night.
  • If you do accidentally hit any animal, please stop whenever it is safe to do so and always check the pouch and the nearby area for young animals. Read the WIRES Driver Brochure to find out how to be prepared. 
  • Dead animals can attract scavenger animals towards the road to feed, and increase the chances of more collisions. You can reduce this risk where it is safe to do so, by moving the dead animal even a few metres away from the road.

Wildlife-Friendly Gardens

As natural habitats shrink, more native birds, mammals, reptiles, and frogs are moving into urban areas. However, most cities lack suitable environments for these creatures. Fortunately, many people are creating wildlife-friendly gardens to help.

Kookaburra on a branch.

Some tips for a wildlife-friendly garden include;

  • Plant native trees, ground cover and shrubs. 
  • Provide large rocks for habitat for lizards.
  • If you use netting & fencing, please only use wildlife-safe netting and wildlife-safe fencing.
  • Don’t use any chemicals or pesticides in your garden. You might only be planning to kill snails, but if native animals eat the poisoned snails, they can be poisoned as well. Instead, please use only safe, natural, non-chemical alternatives for pest control and cleaning, e.g. white vinegar and baking soda.

For more tips, visit Wildlife Friendly Gardens on the WIRES website.

Click here for more information about WIRES and ways you can support native wildlife on their website.

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