Our responsibility extends to how we can help injured or ailing animals when we encounter them, whether from human activity, such as vehicle strike on a road, or the result of extreme weather impacts.

Wildcare’s philosophy is to “rescue, rehabilitate and release,” and an orientation course on Saturday will show how. Members and qualified carers will explain and demonstrate how to handle, hold and transport wildlife safely.

There are necessarily different approaches for birds, reptiles, small mammals (bats, possums, echidnas), koalas, wombats, and macropods (kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos).

The approaches consider the animal’s size, stature, diet and habitat, and whether they are active at dawn or dusk (crepuscular), at night (nocturnal), or sporadically (cathemeral).

There will also be advice on the kind of clothing and equipment a rescuer should have and use, such as basic boxes and blankets in the boot, or a wildlife basket.

A discussion on the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) codes of practice will also take place, plus opportunities for story sharing at morning and afternoon tea.

The ultimate aim is to help people understand how to aid an animal until an appropriate wildlife carer or veterinarian can be found to rehabilitate and release it.

The course is on Saturday, February 17, 9.30am to 4pm at the Yass Senior Citizens hall on Rossi Street.

Cost: Wildcare members $20, non members $25. Anyone interested in membership can join on the day.