Local wildlife

Wildlife in Moorabool Shire

Moorabool Shire is home to a wide variety of native animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas, wombats, reptiles and many bird species. You might see wildlife in your backyard, on local roads or while visiting our parks and reserves, such as Lerderderg State Park and Werribee Gorge State Park.

Seeing wildlife is a normal part of living in our rural and semi-rural communities – and it’s important we keep these animals wild and safe.

Living with Wildlife

• Wild animals are not pets and should not be treated as such.

• Wildlife will usually find their own food, water and shelter without help from people. 

• It is normal for wildlife to move through properties, roadsides and public reserves across the shire.

If an animal is not injured or in immediate danger, the best thing you can do is observe from a distance and let it move on in its own time.

Please Don’t Feed Wildlife

Feeding wildlife might feel like helping, but it can:

• Cause serious health problems and poor nutrition

• Encourage aggressive or nuisance behaviour

• Increase the spread of disease

• Make animals dependent on humans instead of foraging naturally

For their safety (and yours), do not feed native wildlife. Instead, you can support wildlife by planting native trees and shrubs and providing a bird bath with fresh water.

Injured or Distressed Wildlife

If you see an animal that appears injured, sick, orphaned or in immediate danger:

1. Do not attempt to handle or treat the animal yourself – you could be hurt, or accidentally injure the animal.

2. Contact a qualified wildlife carer or rescue organisation for advice.

   • Wildlife Victoria – 24/7 Emergency Response Service: (03) 8400 7300

3. If there is an immediate risk to public safety (for example, a large animal on a major road), contact Victoria Police or relevant road authorities.

In Victoria, sick, injured or orphaned wildlife can only be rehabilitated by authorised wildlife shelter operators or foster carers under the Wildlife Act. Victorian Government

You can also contact your local vet; many clinics can assist by stabilising wildlife and arranging transfer to an authorised carer.

Wildlife on Your Property

It is common for wildlife to pass through urban and rural properties in Moorabool. In most cases:

• Leave the animal alone unless it is injured, trapped or posing an immediate safety risk.

• Keep pets contained, especially at dawn and dusk.

• Secure rubbish, compost and pet food to avoid attracting wildlife.

If you are experiencing ongoing issues with wildlife, you may seek advice from licensed wildlife handlers or the Victorian Conservation Regulator about lawful and humane options.

How You Can Help Local Wildlife

Residents can support healthy wildlife populations by:

• Planting indigenous (local native) plants to provide food and shelter

• Keeping cats indoors or in secure enclosures, and keeping dogs under effective control

• Driving carefully on rural roads, especially at night

• Recording unusual or rare sightings using recognised citizen science tools – for example, Moorabool residents can log rare bird or animal sightings via Council’s online reporting tools.

Useful Contacts & Links

• Wildlife emergencies (sick, injured or orphaned native animals)

  • Wildlife Victoria – 24/7 Emergency Response: (03) 8400 7300

• Moorabool Shire Council

  • Phone: (03) 5366 7100 

Expand the sections below for further information: