How to respond when encountering wildlife on your property

Australia is home to an array of diverse and beautiful wildlife, and knowing how to respond when you encounter wildlife in your home or on your property will help protect our precious wildlife species whilst keeping you, your family and your pets safe.

A carpet python inside a shed - Image Ethan Mann.

Key Points

• If you encounter wildlife in or around your home, give it space, and keep pets and children away.
• If required, seek expert assistance from your local wildlife rescue organisation or via your local council.
• Providing habitat for wildlife around your home not only benefits these animals, but having more nature in your local area is beneficial for human health too.

How common is it to encounter wildlife in your home in Australia?

What to do if you encounter wildlife on your property?

How to help identify wildlife species living on your property?

How to look after urban wildlife in your area?

How common is it to encounter wildlife in your home in Australia?

Encounters with wildlife are all part of living in Australia. From finding a tree frog in your toilet, a possum hiding in your roof, or a wombat burrowing under your house, wildlife can be attracted to homes and properties if they’re looking for water, food, or somewhere cosy and protected to reside.

When urban ecologist Dr Jacinta Humphrey moved into her current house in Melbourne, she kept hearing strange noises coming from the roof.

“I discovered it was actually a whole family of ringtail possums—there were four of them! They were super cute, but they were also a little bit smelly, and we didn’t really want them living in the roof because we were worried they might be doing some damage,” explains Jacinta.

A young Common Brushtail Possum riding on its mother's back. Source: iStockphoto / ZambeziShark/Getty Images/iStockphoto

What to do if you encounter wildlife on your property?

After organising for a licensed wildlife professional to come out and assist, Jacinta installed a one-way door in the roof.

“This meant the possums could still leave safely at night time, but they weren’t able to get back in. We also put up a nestbox in the tree in our front yard to give them a new home. And almost two years later, there are still two ringtail possums living in that nestbox.”

So if you encounter wildlife in or around your home, Jacinta’s advice is simple.

First, give the animal some space. Don’t try to pick them up or touch them, and be sure to keep any pets or children away. Second, call an expert who can give you some advice over the phone or send someone to come help.

Dr Jacinta Humphrey

This might be contacting your local wildlife rescue organisation or seeking advice through your local council.

Australian magpie on a railing. Credit: Talha Resitoglu - Pexels

How to help identify wildlife species living on your property?

Ecologist Tanya Loos, author of the book, Living with Wildlife: A Guide for Our Homes and Backyards, advises taking a photograph of the animal if it’s safe. This will help with identification of the species.

“In all cases, stay calm, and stay curious, because it's very rare that there'll be a negative encounter if you keep your distance. You do have time to find out: What kind of animal is it - and what the best course of action is,” says Tanya.

Whilst Australia may have a reputation as a country with some dangerous wildlife species—including venomous snakes, in most cases if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.

The most dangerous wildlife to be aware of are venomous snakes, large kangaroos, large birds known as cassowaries, and some kinds of spiders. As a general rule, patting, touching or holding wildlife is best avoided. Even a possum can give quite a scratch.

Ecologist Tanya Loos

In many situations, the wildlife you might see in your home or backyard are temporary visitors—they are just passing through and will soon move on. This can include possums, koalas, echidnas, kangaroos, and various species of birds and reptiles.

“Remember to give your visitor plenty of space. This includes making sure that children and pet dogs and cats are kept separated from visiting wildlife,” Tanya emphasises.

Encounters with wildlife may only be fleeting, so as Jacinta says, remember to enjoy the experience as Australia is home to a multitude of unique wildlife species.

“Over 80 per cent of our native mammals are only found here in Australia—they don’t occur anyway else in the world. And the fact that we can see these animals in our cities, is really special,” Jacinta explains.

Possums on a nesting box. Credit: Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary.

How to look after urban wildlife in your area?

In urban areas where there may be less natural bushland or forest nearby, Jacinta says it’s vital that we look after urban wildlife including providing suitable habitat opportunities.

“We can support urban wildlife by planting locally native trees, shrubs and grasses, adding rocks, logs and mulch to our gardens, providing water sources like bird baths, installing nestboxes for possums or parrots, as well as insect hotels for native bees, avoiding using harsh chemicals – things like pesticides or rat poisons, and keeping our cats safely contained indoors.”

If you have fruit trees in your garden, Tanya says it important to be aware of the right type of netting to use which can protect your fruit without being a risk to wildlife.

“If the fruit trees are covered in the wrong kind of netting, all sorts of animals can become entangled, including parrots and bats. If this happens, call wildlife rescue straight away as being tangled in netting can be very stressful for the animal. And instead, use a wildlife friendly netting which has a very small weave,” says Tanya.

Tanya also explains, it’s important to not feed wildlife, and always ensure rubbish bins are securely closed.

As tempting as it may be, do not feed wildlife. Instead, install a bird bath which are enjoyed by all sorts of different animals and absolutely vital during heat waves.

Ecologist Tanya Loos

With a large variety of bird species often visiting gardens looking for nectar and insects, it's common for birds to accidentally fly into glass windows.

“If a bird collides with a window at home, and the bird is still alive, use a tea towel to gently catch the bird in a cardboard box and contact your wildlife rescue organisation or a local vet,” says Tanya.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo gnawing on hand railing Source: iStockphoto / Ken Griffiths/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Encountering Australia’s unique wildlife in or around your home also provides an opportunity to learn more about these remarkable animals.

“Many of us enjoy the warbling songs of magpies, loud and colourful parrots, and very cute possums in the garden. And where else could you encounter a kangaroo in the backyard, or a python on your patio?” Tanya says.

“These animals are part of what makes Australia so special. Take your wildlife encounter as a chance to learn more about our unique animals and reach out to wildlife rescue organisations who can help you get to know and understand and coexist safely with your new animal friends.”

Having wildlife around also has important human health benefits too, as Jacinta explains.

“Research has shown that having more nature in your local area is really beneficial for human health, mental well-being and social connection. People who live in areas with more trees, birds and other animals tend to be happier and healthier.”

So being aware of how to respond to encounters with wildlife in or around your home will ensure a positive outcome for both the animals and us humans too.

There are wildlife rescue and care organisations in every state and territory in Australia:

• NSW: WIRES 1300 094 737
• VIC: Wildlife Victoria [phone]
• QLD: RSPCA QLD 1300 264 625
• NT: Various services
• ACT: ACT Wildlife 0432 300 033
• TAS: Bonorong Sanctuary 0447 264 625
• SA: SA Fauna Rescue [phone]
• WA: Wildcare Helpline [phone]

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