Bush and Alpine Resources - wilderness, outdoor & adventure activity resources for bushwalking, skiing and ski touring in remote alpine, mountain and coastal areas of Australia including stoves, tents, packs, boots, backpacks, skis, snowshoes, alpine gear, food, menus, EPRIBs, GPS, navigation and the environment










Care of wildlife for wilderness, outdoor and adventure activities including native Australian marsupials such as possums, endangered mountain pygmy-possum, wombats, quolls, antechinuses native rats, blackbirds, crows, ravens and rosellas
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    Wildlife

Animals exist in any area you visit. They can range from small invertebrates to medium-size mammals, and the amount of nuisance (or even risk) they can pose to your expedition varies enormously. Probably the major cause of problems is animals seeking food, especially around huts and well-used campsites. This leads to a variety of problems for both you and them;you pose a much greater risk to their well-being than they do to yours.

Species which may be a threat to your food include:
Possums, including the endangered mountain pygmy-possum
Wombats
Quolls
Antechinuses
Native rats
Various other native rodents and small marsupials
Blackbirds/crows/ravens (if food is left unattended outside)
Rosellas (if food is left unattended outside)
click to enlarge

If you see a rat-like creature in a high country hut, leave it alone. It is unlikely to be an introduced species, and many smaller native animals closely resemble feral species, which makes quick identification almost impossible. Native animals such as these are protected by law.

If you... you... they... therefore...
Actively feed animals Give up food you may need later Become dependent upon humans can get diseases such as scabby jaw (?) Never intentionally feed wild animals
Leave food unsecured May lose food to animals. Gear may be destroyed as animals attempt to access food Become dependent upon humans Can get diseases such as scabby jaw (?) Secure food well. Leave it inside your pack if in a tent. Hang the food back from the roof using cord or fishing wire if in a hut
Secure food Have all your supplies intact Maintain their hunting/foraging skills Secure food well. Leave it inside your pack if in a tent. Hang the food back from the roof using cord or fishing wire if in a hut
Light a fire Have to spend lots of time collecting firewood Removal of larger branches for firewood destroys insect habitat Carry a fuel stove and avoid lighting fires


    Most native species are protected by law

More information
www.dse.vic.gov.au

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©2005-2012 Lachlan Shield
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