In Victoria, all wildlife is protected under the Wildlife Act. It is illegal to disturb or destroy wildlife without appropriate authorisation.
This section of Council's website provides information regarding services available to assist with native animal-related queries, including injured wildlife, snake catchers and bee swarm removal.
Council staff will only attend to native animal injuries if they posed a threat to public (e.g. an injured kangaroo on public road).
WIRES has local volunteers who can tend to sick, injured, and orphaned animals through its 24/7 Wildlife Rescue Office and dedicated Emergency Response Team. To report any injured native wildlife, please phone 1300 094 737 or online by clicking here.
Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and it is illegal to capture, harm, disturb or kill them
If you do find a snake:
- Keep calm.
- Move yourself and anyone with you, including children and pets, away from the area.
- Phone the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action on 136 186, who can provide a list of snake controllers in your area.
Council does not provide snake catching and removal services.
Council does not provide bee swarm removal services.
If you require the removal of a bee swarm, the Victorian Apiarists' Association has members in the region who can assist. For details regarding local apiarists, please click here.
Swooping birds
The Gannawarra is renowned for its birdlife; however, these birds can be protective of their territory during breeding season when they are protecting their nests and young.
You can reduce the risk of being swooped by:
- Knowing your local swooping hotspots. For information regarding local area, visit Wildlife Victoria's swooping birds website.
- Avoid the area.
- Move quickly.
- Cover your head.
- Draw a pair of "eyes" and attach these to the back of hats and helmets.
- Do not harass wildlife.
- Do not destroy nests.
- Do not feed swooping birds.
- Travel in a group.
- Let others know.
Damage caused by cockatoos, corellas and galahs
Cockatoo, corella and galah damage is a significant problem for many Victorians, especially in regional and rural areas. Impacts are experienced across many different farming ventures, on community assets and private residences.
Council is not responsible for the management of corellas and cockatoos.
Information regarding the management of corellas and cockatoos can be found on the Victorian Government website.