REGION - The Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) and Parks Victoria (PV) are asking motorists in or near fire affected areas in the Grampians to beware of wildlife on roads and to report any injured animals.
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Wildlife will be on the move to seek food and water on roadsides or in unburnt areas within the fire ground.
DEPI and PV will be working with Wildlife Victoria and BADGAR Grampians and District to keep wildlife volunteers informed of the fire ground situation and prepared for any animal rescues that may be required.
DEPI Wildlife Welfare Officer Nick Jaschenko said accessible areas of the Grampians National Park fire ground are now being patrolled to gauge the impact on wildlife.
"Fire crews have been asked to report sightings of injured wildlife," Mr Jaschenko said.
"We know that some animals, such as kangaroos and wallabies, can escape the main fire front, but then return to burnt areas while the ground is still hot.
"Injured wildlife rescued from the fire ground are being assessed and potentially transferred to appropriate wildlife shelters for rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild away from the fire line.
"Animals assessed as unlikely to survive will be euthanased humanely.
"When the fire is declared safe for volunteers, we will work with Wildlife Victoria and BADGAR to conduct searches for injured and distressed wildlife."
Members of the public should report injured wildlife to Wildlife Victoria on 1300 094 535.
