Scientific evidence that fish are sentient animals capable of experiencing pain and suffering has been building for some years. It has now reached a point where the sentience of fish is acknowledged and recognised by leading scientists across the world. For this reason, RSPCA Australia believes that fishing practices should ensure…
Brushtail and ringtail possums are both native marsupial species that have adapted well to urbanisation and are commonly found dwelling in Australian gardens. Ringtail possums are a social species that build nests of bark and leaves called ‘drays’ in which they usually dwell as a family. Brushtail possums are larger,…
Snakes are attracted to potential food and water sources and safe, quiet places to hide. To reduce the risk of snakes finding your backyard or property attractive, keep the grass low, clean up any rubbish piles and clear away objects where snakes may be able to hide (e.g. wood piles,…
Companion animals may be bitten by venomous or non-venomous snakes. When a snake bite occurs, it is not always possible to know the species or type of snake involved. Always seek emergency veterinary advice and treatment as soon as you become aware your pet has been bitten by a snake,…
There are several species of birds that choose to build their nests around human habitation such as houses and sheds. Sometimes this can look messy and cause problems such as build up of droppings under the nest. We are often asked how to deal with this problem or whether the…
The first thing to do is, relax! Blue-tongue lizards are not poisonous and do not pose any threat to people or their pets. In fact, they can be a very helpful friend to have around the garden as they eat snails and caterpillars and other insects and can help keep…
The most likely time for people to encounter snakes in their garden is spring when snakes are becoming more active. If you see a snake in your garden or house, do not try to catch or kill the snake. Walk away slowly and keep an eye on the snake from…
There are four types of flying foxes which are native to mainland Australia; black, grey-headed, little red and spectacled flying foxes. They are fruit-eating flying mammals, similar to bats, which live in large colonies or camps, often in close proximity to people. This can cause several conflicts between humans and…
The following information provides some tips about how to deter ducks and other birds from pools: Change the landscape to make it less attractive to the birds Geese and ducks are attracted to areas with open water and large expanses of grass, such as golf courses, parks, and large lawns….
Yes, if you use the correct netting and install it properly, backyard fruit tree netting can be ‘wildlife friendly’. However, if not used in the correct manner, netting can pose a serious risk to wild animals. For example, flying foxes, birds, possums and even pythons can become entangled and can potentially…