first aid: wildlife

• What are the learning objectives for wildlife first aid?

  Principles of first aid for key wildlife
• Why is wildlife considered a community responsibility?

  Because various factors threaten their survival
• What are some threats to wildlife mentioned?

  Habitat destruction, motor vehicle accidents
• How does habitat destruction affect wildlife behavior?

  It forces animals into urban areas
• What are the consequences of wildlife crowding into smaller ranges?

  Increased disease and resource competition
• What should you check before approaching injured wildlife?

  Your own safety and the animal's danger
• What is the first step if you find injured wildlife?

  Ensure you are not in danger
• What should you do to prevent further stress to an injured animal?

  Minimize handling and keep away from pets
• What type of carrier is appropriate for transporting wildlife?

  A dark, warm carrier
• Why should you not feed injured wildlife?

  It can cause further harm or stress
• What should you do if you find a turtle on a busy road?

  Return it to the nearest body of water
• What indicates that a wildlife animal may need rescuing?

  It is in a suburban area
• What should you do if you find a juvenile bird?

  Wait to see if parents return
• What is illegal regarding wildlife care?

  Keeping or caring for wildlife without a license
• Why should you not handle large mammals like koalas?

  They can bite, kick, and scratch
• What should you do if you encounter a venomous snake?

  Leave it alone and do not handle
• What is the recommended method for capturing small birds?

  Use a small towel or bare hands
• How should you transport small birds?

  In a small cardboard box or carry cage
• What should you watch out for when capturing mammals?

  Teeth and nails
• What is the best way to capture a koala?

  Use a large towel or blanket
• How should you transport a possum?

  In a pillowcase securely tied
• What should you do if you find a baby bird?

  Do not feed it and wait for parents
• What are precocial chicks?

  Chicks that can walk and self-feed soon after hatching
• How do you differentiate between altricial and precocial chicks?

  Altricial chicks are born featherless and need care
• What should you do if you find a featherless altricial chick?

  Return it to the nest and monitor
• What is the risk for fledgling altricial chicks?

  They may be learning to be self-sufficient
• When should you intervene with a chick?

  If it has little to no feathers and cannot return
• What should you do if an animal is deceased?

  Check the pouch for young
• What are the triage principles for wildlife?

  Airway, Breathing, Cardiovascular, Disability
• What is capture myopathy?

  Muscle degeneration due to stress during capture
• What are symptoms of capture myopathy?

  Ptyalism, muscle stiffness, weakness
• When should euthanasia be considered for wildlife?

  If the animal cannot be released after treatment
• What is the preferred method of euthanasia in a hospital setting?

  Intravascular or intracardiac injection
• What is a common disease affecting koalas?

  Chlamydia
• What are the ocular symptoms of chlamydia in koalas?

  Bilateral conjunctivitis and discharge
• How does urogenital chlamydia affect koalas?

  Causes bladder wall thickening and incontinence
• What is a key point regarding wildlife intervention?

  Only intervene if safe and necessary
• Why is it important to note the location of wildlife?

  To release rehabilitated wildlife in the same area
• What should you do if you are unsure about handling an animal?

  Call a wildlife carer and wait safely
• What are the key considerations for wildlife capture and restraint?

  • Assess the animal's species and size
  • Use appropriate tools (towels, nets)
  • Minimize handling to reduce stress
  • Ensure safety for both the rescuer and the animal