Geelong is among the states regions clocking up record numbers of callouts for injured wildlife.
Over the last fortnight Wildlife Victoria’s Emergency Response Service received 5,413 calls from members of the public, a 34 per cent increase on the same period last year.
The organisations CEO Lisa Palmer says it’s placing a significant strain on staff, volunteers and veterinary clinics.
“All of those animals require care until they’re old enough to be released back into the wild,” she said.
In the past six weeks the service recorded 766 orphaned animals alone and although Spring is traditionally a busy period, this year the early onset of warm weather is suspected to be behind the added surge.
Greater Geelong is not far behind the statewide average of increased demand.
“Across Geelong and Surf Coast this Spring we’ve seen an overall 28 per cent increase in case volume from the prior year,” Ms Palma said.
There are exceptions, in the north west around Mildura and Swan Hill callouts have either remained constant or in some cases dropped.
