The increase is mainly due to limited feed in grazing areas because of dry weather conditions, inevitably forcing wildlife to seek out fodder on roadsides and falling victim to car accidents.

A concerning portion of the wildlife in care are surrendered sick animals that have been inadequately cared for by well-intentioned, but unqualified members of the community.

One of the biggest risks to rescued wildlife is a condition called Myopathy, an illness that is brought on by high stress levels that causes muscles and organ failure, ultimately fatal to the animal and often undetectable to untrained rescuers and can last for several weeks after the rescue.

A Kandos volunteer for the WCN is stressing the importance of not attempting to care for wildlife and leaving it to the trained carers, as conditions like Myopathy need specialised equipment and knowledge to treat.

“Don’t be fooled by advice by the general public and unqualified rescuers. We have a good working relationship with our neighbouring carer networks so if f we can’t attend to and care for an injured animal, someone will. Please leave it to the professionals.”

If you have an injured native animal call the Wildlife carers. Their area of operations covers from Lithgow to Dunedoo and to near Merriwa including the Capertee Valley, Rylstone and surrounding areas. They offer rescue, rehabilitation and release care for all native animals, including birds and reptiles. As volunteers the service is free as their main interest is the proper care of injured and orphaned wildlife. They also have a qualified reptile handler in the Rylstone area. The Wildlife Carers Network Central West Inc can be contacted on 0408 966 228.