Handling & Restraint

An animal should always be handled in a way that minimizes stress. Before attempting to handle an animal, plan a course of action and take into account risks to the handler and the animal.

Native animals are usually quite placid but some can be very dangerous when placed under threat. Incorrect handling can result in the handler being bitten or kicked and the animal being stressed or suffering broken limbs or back & neck injuries. Covering an animal with a blanket or confining it in a bag will reduce stress to the animal and facilitate its examination.

Marsupial carers will often be called out to capture and treat an injured animal. However on absolutely no account should an inexperienced carer ever attempt to handle a large wild kangaroo. If a wild kangaroo can be caught, it is likely that it is so badly injured or in such poor condition that euthanasia will be the only option. This should only be carried out by a licenced shooter or veterinarian and attended to at the find site.

Macropods
A macropod can be restrained by grasping it by the base of the tail and transferring it into a hessian sack large enough to contain it. (Avoid using plastic chaff bags as they can suffocate the animal).

Capturing an animal will require a well planned procedure using several people and nets or sheets of hessian. Always approach from behind as quickly as possible. Be very careful to avoid hind legs and teeth. If possible, sedate the animal under the direction of a veterinarian.

Even with small wallabies, care needs to be taken to avoid injuries to the handler by the animal’s hind claws. Hold the animal at arms length whilst transferring it to a strong wooden box or hessian or canvas bag.

With the very small macropods, eg woylies, bettongs and Western Brush Wallabies, tail holding should be kept to a minimum to avoid injuring the animal. **

Dasyurids

The larger Dasyurids can be grasped by the base of the tail (they will spreadeagle), and the smaller Dasyurids can be handled in a similar way to laboratory rats and mice. ** 

Echidnas

Echidnas respond to threat by digging into soft ground or curling up on a hard surface. Using a heavy glove, lift the animal off the ground and grasp a hind foot. The echidna should uncurl as it hangs and the other hind foot can then be grasped — but be patient! A second person can grasp the front feet and the examination can proceed.

Alternatively, wrap the echidna in a blanket, lie it on its back and grasp a hind leg to facilitate the uncurling process. Excess blanket is gently pushed into the belly area between the fore and hind legs. Always Alternatively, wrap the echidna in a blanket, lie it on its back and grasp a hind leg to facilitate the uncurling process. Excess blanket is gently pushed into the belly area between the fore and hind legs. Always Alternatively, wrap the echidna in a blanket, lie it on its back and grasp a hind leg to facilitate the uncurling process. Excess blanket is gently pushed into the belly area between the fore and hind legs. Always be careful to not damage an echidna’s sensitive beak. Extreme patience is always needed when handling echidnas. **

Bandicoots

Bandicoots generally remain immobile when caught, however they can suddenly attempt to escape if given the opportunity. They are strong, yet delicate, animals and can easily be injured. The tail should not be grabbed. Capture may be aided by a thick towel or hessian bag. Placing a bandicoot in a bag facilitates handling and examination. Hold the animal around the neck and shoulders, whilst restraining the hind legs with the other hand. Alternatively, grasp around the thorax and forelegs while supporting the rump. Bandicoots stress very easily, so handling should be kept to an absolute minimum. **

Possums

A possum should be restrained through a blanket or thick towel. This gives some protection to the handler and restricts attempts to escape.

Through the towel, grasp around the neck and shoulders from behind. With the other hand, grasp the base of the tail and maintain a firm but gentle stretch between the two hands. A second person is then required to do the examination. Damage to the handler can occur from biting, and the claws on all four limbs. Possums can climb up their own tails in an attempt to attack. **

Pygmy and Honey Possums are delicate and not a threat to the handler but they can sometimes unexpectedly jump out of your hand. A good hold is as for small birds.

** Diagrams - Walraven 1990