Wildlife rescuers are urging people with gardens right around Australia to consider leaving shallow bowls of water out in the coming months, in a bid to potentially “save the life” of a native animal suffering from heat stress.
The Australian summer can be relentlessly hot at the best of times, but with the 2024-25 season forecast to bring warmer-than-average conditions, which conservationists say is already heavily impacting our wildlife, they argue it’s more important than ever to make the “life-changing” addition.
This week, photos emerged online showing a ring-tailed possum coiled up in an Aussie garage door during a recent 40-degree day. “We have a possum in our roller door, we think there’s a baby in there too,” a woman wrote online. Worrying for the animal’s welfare in such extreme heat, the woman asked, “I know nature does its thing — but should I put water in there or something?”
Quickly, Australians responded encouraging the woman to leave a shallow bowl in her garden for the possum. It’s a small but critical gesture that could save countless lives this summer, Wild Animals Australia’s Cat Coake told Yahoo News.
Leaving out shallow bowls of water for wildlife during summer is crucial for their survival, particularly during extreme heat. Source: Wild Animals Australia
Aussies urged to leave water out for animals in gardens
Coake said it’s crucial that those people who are leaving out water do it in the correct way. “We ask people to put sticks and stones into them so that there’s an escape route,” she told Yahoo.
“People don’t generally consider that smaller animals need fluid too. So those shallow dishes with rocks and stones on the base will allow them to enter and exit after getting the fluid.
“It’ll also allow animals like lizards to climb in and out comfortably, and to get a bath which can reduce their body heat as well.”
Coake, from Brisbane, said in recent years she’s “absolutely” noticed an uptick in the amount of animals she sees suffering from heat stress, which she said she believes is a direct result of climate change.
“Heat stress is a massive problem and it’s only going to get worse with climate change,” she said. “Especially with the way things are going.
“You’ll often see birds panting with open beaks, trying to hide out in the shade, confused, disorientated. You’ll see flying-foxes, possums, gliders, koalas, all on the ground looking for some shade. Refugee reptiles, they’ll come inside, they’ll get into pools, anything they can to get to water.”
Coake implored people that do opt to offer water for animals to “keep them clean and change them every day” during summer.
Many animals, including birds, mammals, and reptiles, struggle to find water sources in hot weather, especially in urban and suburban areas. During summer, natural water sources like ponds and creeks may dry up, leaving wildlife with limited access to essential resources.
Shallow bowls ensure small animals can drink without the risk of drowning, making it safer for a wider variety of species. Providing water helps maintain local ecosystems by supporting the survival of pollinators, birds, and other wildlife crucial for ecological balance.
Many animals, including birds, mammals, and reptiles, struggle to find water sources in hot weather, especially in urban and suburban areas. Source: Animals Australia
Tips for placing water bowls in gardens
Here are some ways you can assist wildlife during extreme heat according to WIRES:
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Provide Water: Place shallow water containers around your yard, ensuring they are clean and water is changed daily.
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Escape Ramps: Place sticks or stones in water containers to provide escape routes for smaller animals that may fall in.
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Pools and Skimmer Boxes: Check pools and skimmer boxes twice a day for wildlife that may have fallen in. Provide a tethered rope or platform as a means of escape.
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Reptile Assistance: Position water containers along the fence line to provide water for reptiles. This will not only hydrate them but also deter them from approaching houses.
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Flying-fox Assistance: On very hot days, if you find a flying-fox on the ground or entangled in netting, call WIRES immediately at 1300 094 737 for help.
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Protect Pets: Keep cats and dogs indoors to prevent them from preying on vulnerable wildlife.
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Shade: Offer shade for distressed animals with garden umbrellas or other covers. This helps prevent further heat stress.
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Mist or Sprinkler: Gently mist distressed animals or place a nearby sprinkler to help cool them down.
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