Wildcare Queanbeyan Incorporated

About Wildcare

Wildcare is the local wildlife group that is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of native mammals, birds and reptiles. Wildcare is a registered charity and its members are volunteers - there are quite a few in this area who can be called upon. 

Wildcare has a 24 hour telephone helpline- 6299 1966 - and there is a website www.wildcare.com.au. Get in touch if you need any advice or you might like to get involved too.

Wildlife in Bywong

Bywong has quite a lot of varied wildlife and all of it is protected by law.  As well as kangaroos and wallabies, a variety of birds, lizards and snakes, you may be lucky enough to see an echidna, flying fox, long necked turtle and a possum. 

Dangerous snakes

Just be aware that Bywong has some of the world's most dangerous snakes - the tiger and brown snake.  So be careful and keep the area around your house neat and tidy, so you can see what is around.  Snakes are shy creatures which want to keep out of your way.  They will tend to move on if left undisturbed. Otherwise Wildcare has a number of snake handlers locally who will come and catch and relocate snakes.   

Dogs & Cats and their control

One of the biggest threats to wildlife comes form our loveable dogs and cats. Left to their own devices dogs will attack anything that moves and causes immense damage to lizards, kangaroos and the like.  Even though a dog may not catch a kangaroo the animal will die from stress.  Cats of course chase and kill lizards and birds.  Dogs and cats need to be under control at all times.  And particularly cats must be kept inside at night.  Wamboin has some of the most venomous snakes in the world, so make sure your animals are safe, by keeping them under control in a dog or cat run.

Vehicle Accidents

Many animals, birds and reptiles get killed on our roads.  Often it is quite unnecessary.  Just because we can travel at 80, 90 or 100 km/hr does not mean it is safe to do so.  Slow down and be vigilant.  Get to know kangaroo crossing points and take extra care.  Often one kangaroo will be followed by a Joey at heel, so be ready for a second animal.  Stop and move lizards and turtles off the roads and place them in the direction they were going.  Use a towel or cloth if you are a bit squeamish in picking up animals.  Be especially careful between dusk overnight and at dawn.  And the full moon seems to encourage wildlife to move around much more.

Fences and Netting

Barbed wire can be a pain in more ways than one!  Bats and birds get caught in it and cause severe injuries.  For this reason many people are taking down barbed wire, particularly in wildlife rich areas.  Ringlock fencing can mean that a Joey at heel gets separated from mum and in trying to keep up gets caught.  If possible bend back a section of ringlock fencing at intervals to let animals pass through the fence.  Leave gates open where you can to let wildlife pass through.  If you have to use bird netting keep it off the ground or you will trap snakes and be surprised!

WILDCARE SAYS “ENJOY OUR WILDLIFE AND TAKE CARE OF IT”