Border wildlife are struggling to survive the prolonged heat, with many venturing into built-up areas in the search for water only to be attacked or hit by cars.
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Kangaloola Wildlife Shelter has experienced an influx of small animals coming into care exhausted, starving and severely dehydrated.
Kangaloola’s Chris Lehmann said already seven baby ringtail possums had entered the rescue and if the heatwave continues he holds grave fears for bigger animals.
“I’ve never seen anything like it myself,” he said.
“Just the relentless heat is grinding them down.
“They should be hiding all day but because they’re not getting enough food and water and they’re suffering in the heat – they are coming down onto the ground during the day going up to dog water bowls and are attacked.
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“Unfortunately it’ll have a gradual affect on larger animals as well… I expect we might see koalas in trouble and more kangaroos having issues on the road.”
Mr Lehmann encouraged residents to put water outside, both up high and on the ground.
“That gives them a chance,” he said. “If they come down for water and then scramble away you’re better to leave them, but if you can catch a wild animal there’s something wrong and they need help.”
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