Wildlife rescuers wanted

The NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (Wires) is calling on Peninsula residents to become volunteer wildlife rescuers and carers.

WIRES publicity officer Ms Jilea Carney said volunteers living in Ettalong, Killcare and Pretty Beach were currently in high demand.

Chairperson of Wires Central Coast branch Mr Bill Fortier said now was the perfect time to join Wires as a volunteer.

"WIRES Central Coast will hold a training course for people wishing to become wildlife rescuers and carers on February 20 to 21 at Berkeley Vale," Mr Fortier said.

"We need people on the Central Coast, including the Peninsula, to join up and help local wildlife.

"Our Rescue and Immediate Care Course teaches the basic skills to rescue and provide immediate assistance to orphaned and injured native animals and is the stepping stone to courses which qualify you to care for more challenging species such as raptors, flying foxes and reptiles.

"It teaches basic animal handling, housing, transporting and learning how to assess an animal after injury or rescue."

Mr Fortier said there were other things residents could do if they were interested in protecting wildlife but did not want to become a Wires volunteer.

"It is important for all pet owners to be aware of where their beloved cats and dogs are during the day and night," Mr Fortier said.

"Having a native garden which will encourage birds and possums to their garden as well as helping the animals is a great way to help local wildlife.

"Place possum boxes in trees and fresh clean water for them.

"Another simple idea is to make an area of the garden into a rockery which will encourage lizards of different kinds to inhabit their garden and is a good way to keep snails and slugs away from their vegetable patch.

"In simple terms, try to recreate an environment that is safe, provides shelter, natural food and water and will give many hours of enjoyment for local wildlife.

To reserve a place at the training course, contact WiresCCMembership@gmail.com or phone 8977 3308.

Press release, 21 Jan 2010 Jilea Carney, WIRES