Wildlife rescue and management

If you find a sick or injured animal, there are many networks you can contact for assistance. 

Organisation Phone 

Australian Wildlife Assistance Rescue and Education (AWARE)

Please note that AWARE is not able to enter private buildings. Please contact RSPCA if you find wildlife trapped inside a building.

 0412 433 727
Animalia Wildlife Shelter and Rescue Brighton to Portsea (including Frankston 24 hour emergency hotline) 0435 822 699
Help for Wildlife Emergency Service
 0417 380 687
Peninsula Animal Aid 03 5978 6811
Wildlife Help On Mornington Peninsula (WHOMP)
 0417 380 687
Wildlife Victoria 03 8400 7300

H5N1 Avian Influenza

Given Australia now has detections of Highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza, please follow these instructions if you find a sick bird or other wildlife:

For poultry:

If you suspect avian influenza in poultry, please call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

For birds and wildlife:

Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.

Report even one:

  • wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey.
  • marine mammal (e.g. seal, sea lion, dolphin).

Following a report, DEECA will assess each report and decide if testing is needed.

For the latest updates and more information

visit birdflu.gov.au or agriculture.vic.gov.au/bird-flu.

 

Foxes and rabbits

Any questions or complaints related to foxes and rabbits should be directed to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).

Possums

Possums are protected by law. If you are having trouble with possums on your property, please contact a licensed possum controller or AWARE to safely resolve the problem.   

Snakes

Council receives several calls per day about snakes during spring and summer asking for us to remove them. 

Whilst these slithery creatures are rather intimidating, and should obviously be treated with extreme caution, they play an important role in our natural eco system. 

Snakes are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and it is illegal to harm or kill them. 

If you see a snake in a public space: 

  • Calmly move yourself and your pets away to a safe distance
  • Alert others nearby to the snake’s presence
  • Never approach or attempt to capture or harm a snake

If you see a snake on your private property, please call a licensed snake handler. 

More information about snake safety or injured snakes:  Wildlife - Living with snakes 

Seagulls

Please contact the RSPCA for help with seagulls trapped inside a building. If Seagulls are trapped outdoors then please contact Wildlife Victoria.

Local wildlife

Visit the Atlas of Living Australia website for information on local wildlife.

View our Native fauna page to learn more about Frankston's unique wildlife.

Frankston Environmental Friends Network (FEFN)

Council assists wildlife rescue groups though its support of the Frankston Environmental Friends Network (FEFN).

FERN is a network of environmentally focused groups who work together to promote, maintain and restore Frankston's vibrant flora and fauna.

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