Watch the birdie

Amy Walker

02Oct07

HUMANS are not the only earth dwellers affected by drought and high winds.

Spare a thought for Melton and Moorabool's wildlife and think twice before getting angry with testy birds and hungry possums.

Greendale Wildlife Shelter operator Donna Zabinskas said while everyone was aware of the drought, few realised how it was impacting on animals.

``We're seeing more animals with signs of dehydration,'' she said.

``When an animal is dehydrated, their mucus membranes are pale greyish white instead of nice and pink and they are very flat, not very active,'' she said,

Ms Zabinskas said the effects of the drought would be more apparent in wildlife in coming months.

``It will be coming because we haven't had a lot of spring rains,'' she said.

The shelter also saw an influx of baby animals due to high winds and injured parents.

Melton Snake Rescue spokesman Per Thomsen said people often misunderstood an animal's intention, particularly magpies and snakes.

``People are really just afraid of them and I don't see any other way of solving the problem,'' he said.

Both experts said to steer clear of swooping magpies and snakes, and said both were protected under the Wildlife Act 1975.

As reported last week, a Wildlife Victoria volunteer has raised concerns about mutilated possums in Melton.

Anyone with concerns should phone the Greendale Wildlife Shelter on 5368 1501 or Snake Rescue on 0408 365 948.