Easy ways to support native animals through heatwaves and dry spells.
Why Water Matters
In extreme heat, native animals like birds, possums, reptiles, and even echidnas and kangaroos can become dangerously dehydrated. Natural water sources dry up fast, and heat stress can be fatal — but you can help, right from your own backyard.
What You Can Do
Provide Safe Water Bowls
- Use shallow, wide containers like plant saucers
- Add rocks, sticks or bricks so animals can climb out easily
- Place bowls at different heights: on the ground, on logs, or raised for tree-dwellers
Keep It Clean
- Refill daily with fresh water especially during hot weather
- Rinse containers with hot water – avoid using soap or chemicals
- Change water frequently to prevent mosquito breeding and disease
Choose Wildlife-Safe Materials
- Avoid metal containers: they heat up fast and can scald or make water undrinkable
- Use ceramic, terracotta, or heavy-duty plastic instead
Offer Water In Safe Spots
- Place bowls in shaded, quiet areas, near natural cover
- Keep away from pets, driveways, or busy areas
Special Considerations
- Microbat safety: use small lids filled with marbles or pebbles to prevent drowning
- Frogs: use aged or dechlorinated water, and add twigs or pebbles for safe access
- Reptiles: Offer shaded, ground-level bowls. Provide flat rocks for safe basking nearby
- Macropods: Use large shallow containers placed away from fences or hazards
Recognising Heat Stressed Wildlife
Signs vary by species, but may include:
- Birds: Panting, wings held out, grounded, slow or disoriented.
- Possums or koalas: Out during the day, lethargic, unable to climb.
- Flying foxes: Active in daylight, hanging low, or on the ground.
- Echidnas: Unresponsive, not curling up when approached.
- Reptiles: Weak, motionless in sun, or moving unusually slow.
- Frogs: Desiccated appearance, hiding in exposed places.
- Macropods: Lethargic, unsteady, pouch young unresponsive.
What NOT to do
- Don’t force-feed water or food
- Don’t use deep buckets or slippery containers
- Don’t leave bowls in full sun or near hazards
- Don’t approach or handle heat-stressed wildlife unless advised by a rescuer or carer
What to Do If You Find a Struggling Animal
- Place a shallow bowl of water nearby
- If safe, provide shade and minimal disturbance until help arrives
- Keep pets and people away
- Call Wildlife Victoria on (03) 8400 7300 or a local wildlife group or carer
- Follow their instructions – they may arrange rescue or advise next steps
Long-Term Tips
- Maintain water points year-round
- Encourage neighbours to do the same
- Plant native trees and shrubs for shade, food and shelter
- Avoid using dangerous netting or fencing that may block access to water
