There are a number of things you can do so that our native animals are not disturbed when you get close to them:

• Move slowly, stay calm and keep your distance, they will be more frightened of you than you are of them. Sometimes we have wallabies in our parks and they can be scared if people or dogs come too close
• Never try to pat or handle wild animals. It is illegal and approaching them too closely can stress animals or cause them to abandon their young
• Do not corner animals so they feel trapped. Remove any pets from the area as they will add to the animal’s distress. Most animals, such as blue tongue lizards, can move to safety on their own
• You may be prosecuted under the Wildlife Act 1975 if you intentionally harm, shoot, trap or kill wildlife. Fines and other penalties can be applied. Contact the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action on 136 186 to manage wildlife. This includes possums, which can be trapped to remove them from a roof cavity but which should be released back onto your property after you have covered the access point into your roof. It also includes removing the nests of native birds, resulting in the destruction of eggs and chicks, even if you have a permit to remove a tree.
• Do not trap or distress an animal. Clear a path to allow it to escape. If this is not possible, contact Wildlife Victoria on (03) 8400 7300.

For more information on wildlife visit the Wildlife Victoria website.

You can attract native wildlife to your garden by providing water, nesting boxes and planting native plants which can provide both habitat and food.

Visit the Gardens for Wildlife page to pick up ideas about how you can create a wildlife-friendly garden.

Everyone can help to protect and care for native wildlife. Wildlife Victoria has some very useful information about how you can protect and care for native wildlife such as providing alternative habitat and shelter. For instance, in the heat of summer, think about placing water in your backyard because it can be a lifesaver for native wildlife. Ensure you place it out of reach of pets so native wildlife have safe access.

However, never feed native wildlife. There is nothing we can feed native wildlife that can adequately replace their own natural diet.

If you have fruit trees or a veggie patch, local native animals might be keen to share your harvest with you.  If you would prefer to keep your produce to yourself, wildlife friendly netting must be used. Wildlife friendly netting has a mesh of 5mm by 5mm and should be attached to a frame to keep it taught. If a bird or fruit bat lands on the netting, it should be able to push off without becoming entangled. More information about wildlife-friendly netting is available at animalwelfare.vic.gov.au/netting or by calling 136 186.