SM Wildlife

SM Wildlife Licensed wildlife service for Bidjara Country (Charleville QLD) Free service, Volunteer & self funded.https://paypal.me/smwildlife10

A little update on a black red kangaroo 🖤Back in March 2025, this beautiful girl came into the care of Majella, and what...
05/09/2026

A little update on a black red kangaroo 🖤

Back in March 2025, this beautiful girl came into the care of Majella, and what a journey it’s been since then.

She certainly catches people’s attention because of her beautiful dark, almost black coat. But yes, she is a red kangaroo!

Red kangaroos can naturally vary quite a bit in colour. While we usually picture them as that familiar reddish-brown colour, some individuals can be much darker, with females in particular sometimes having a greyish or darker coat. Her dark colouring is simply part of what makes her unique, hence her name - unique! 🖤

04/09/2026

Fledgling checklist:

☐ Is it fully feathered?
If yes, it may be a fledgling learning to fly rather than an orphan.

☐ Can it stand, hop or perch?
Fledglings often spend time on the ground while developing their flying skills.

☐ Is it alert and responsive?
A healthy fledgling should generally be bright, moving, able to perch.

☐ Are the parents nearby?
Watch quietly from a distance. Parents may be feeding the fledgling even when you can't see them.

☐ Is it in immediate danger?
Move it only if it's at risk from traffic, dogs, cats or another immediate threat. Place it somewhere sheltered nearby, such as a low branch or dense shrub.

☐ Does it have an obvious injury?
Look for bleeding, a drooping wing, inability to stand, obvious wounds or signs of being attacked.

☐ Has a cat or dog caught it?
Even if there are no obvious injuries, contact a wildlife carer/vet promptly. Cat and dog attacks can cause serious injuries that aren't immediately visible.

☐ Don't feed it or give it water unless advised.
Incorrect feeding can cause aspiration or other problems.

☐ Give the parents a chance.
Keep people, pets and children away and observe from a distance.

☐ If you're unsure, get advice before taking it away.
A healthy fledgling is often best left with its parents.

20 years gone, and Steve Irwin is still inspiring millions of people around the world.It makes you wonder just how many ...
04/09/2026

20 years gone, and Steve Irwin is still inspiring millions of people around the world.

It makes you wonder just how many of the incredible wildlife carers, snake catchers, conservationists and everyday people out there supporting wildlife in their own backyards were first inspired by this bloke.

I can picture us all, from those of us who grew up watching him back in the ’90s, right through to the new generation discovering Steve and his wildlife legacy through social media. All completely captivated and inspired by the same bloke.

Steve had a way of making you look at wildlife differently. He made you want to get out there, learn about our wildlife and, most importantly, protect it.

What an incredible legacy to leave behind.

We miss you, legend. I hope we're all making you proud. 🐊

PETS & SNAKES — LET’S CHAT!As a devoted pet lover myself, I understand the deep bond you share with your companions.Here...
03/09/2026

PETS & SNAKES — LET’S CHAT!

As a devoted pet lover myself, I understand the deep bond you share with your companions.

Here in Charleville, snake encounters are not uncommon, particularly as the weather warms up. But the encounters involving pets are some of the hardest.

There really is no winner. Our pets can be seriously injured, owners are left frightened and upset, and I can end up having to euthanise snakes that have been badly injured during an encounter. Seeing you upset and your pets injured is, by far, one of the most heartbreaking parts of wildlife care.

Of course, our local vets work tirelessly to save the lives of these animals when they are bitten.

So, let's talk about some simple things you can do to reduce the chances of your pets encountering a snake this season.

1. KEEP YOUR BACKYARD TIDY

Snakes are naturally shy animals and will often seek out areas where they can shelter and remain hidden.

Keep the area around your home neat and tidy. Mow your lawn regularly, remove dense weeds and vegetation, keep paths clear, make sure there are no holes or gaps that provide hiding places, and remove toys, tools, piles of materials or anything else that could provide shelter.

You don't need to remove every bit of vegetation from your yard, just minimise those areas where a snake can easily hide undetected.

2. DON'T LEAVE FOOD OUT

Food attracts rodents, and rodents can attract snakes.

Clean up spilled food thoroughly after your pets have eaten. Bring bird seed inside at night where possible, and store chook feed, bird seed and pet food in secure, rodent-resistant containers.

Consider making bird cages, chook houses and rabbit hutches as snake-resistant as practical.

Even a clean and tidy yard can still attract snakes if there is an easy food source available.

3. CHOOSE YOUR WALKING ROUTES CAREFULLY

During snake season, think about where you're taking your dog for their walks.

Stick to clear, well-maintained paths where possible and avoid long grass, thick vegetation, piles of rocks, fallen timber and areas of debris where a snake may be difficult to see.

Be particularly mindful around creek beds, dams and other areas where snakes may be looking for water or prey.

Keeping your dog on a lead and close to you gives you much more control if you come across a snake, rather than allowing your dog to run ahead and investigate hidden areas.

Choosing open, visible walking routes can reduce the chance of your dog surprising a snake.

4. PETS IN THE YARD

During the warmer months, let your pets sleep inside if that's an option.

If you have pets that spend most or all of their time outdoors, consider making their enclosure as snake-resistant as possible. Hard wire mesh can be used around dog pens and other animal enclosures. Soft mesh may also work in some situations, but please avoid netting, as snakes and wildlife can become seriously entangled.

Another option that can help is placing lengths of PVC/poly pipe around your yard to provide snakes with somewhere safe to retreat.

When a snake is confronted, its first instinct is generally to try to get away. Giving it somewhere to retreat and hide can help prevent it from becoming cornered or attacked, which can result in the snake defending itself.

A simple length of pipe can provide an escape route and a place for the snake to shelter, while potentially helping keep it away from your pets.

5. KNOW THE SIGNS OF A SNAKE BITE

It's important to know what signs your pet may exhibit following a snake bite so you can act quickly.

Signs can include:

• Sudden weakness or collapse — sometimes followed by your pet getting back up and appearing normal
• Trembling, shaking or twitching
• Unsteadiness or weakness, particularly in the hind legs
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Excessive salivation, drooling or frothing at the mouth
• Difficulty breathing
• Blood in the urine
• Dilated pupils
• Paralysis

Don't wait for all of these signs to appear.

6. IF YOU THINK YOUR PET HAS BEEN BITTEN, SEEK IMMEDIATE VETERINARY ATTENTION

A snake bite is an emergency.

If your pet has been bitten, or you suspect they may have been bitten, seek veterinary attention immediately. Do not wait to see if they get worse.

Early veterinary treatment can make a significant difference to the outcome.

It's also a good idea to call your vet as soon as you realise what has happened and let them know you are on your way. This gives them the opportunity to prepare for your arrival so treatment can begin as quickly as possible.

If you see the snake, DO NOT try to catch, kill or handle it for identification.

Your pet's safety comes first, but so does yours. Trying to interact with a snake puts you at unnecessary risk.

Your vet can assess your pet and use appropriate testing and treatment to determine what is required.

7. CATS

Cats are naturally inquisitive and their hunting instincts can put them into dangerous situations.

Keeping your cat indoors is one of the simplest ways to reduce their risk of encountering snakes and other hazards.

That doesn't mean your cat has to miss out on the outdoors. Consider supervised outdoor time or an appropriate enclosed outdoor area where they can enjoy the sunshine safely.

📞 SAVE THESE NUMBERS NOW

Local snake catcher — Shannon:
0406 663 131

Charleville Veterinary Surgery:
4654 2605

A reminder that our local vet is not available between 7pm and 7am, seven days a week.

Roma is our closest 24/7 veterinary service.

Please save these numbers before you need them. When you're dealing with a possible snake bite, you don't want to be searching for numbers while your pet is deteriorating.

CHARLEVILLE SNAKE CATCHING & WILDLIFE:

All snake relocations and snake advice are free of charge within Charleville.

I'm available 24/7, 7 days a week.

Please DO NOT text or message this wildlife page for snake call-outs.

Call me directly on 0406 663 131.

Let's do everything we can to keep our pets safe, while also giving our local snakes the opportunity to move on.

02/09/2026

One of the things I love most about getting out and about is never quite knowing what I might come across!

These are just some of the different species I've spotted yesterday, and they're a great reminder of just how much wildlife is living around us.

Spring is a fantastic time of year to get outside and explore. The weather is warming up, birds are becoming more active, reptiles are emerging, and there always seems to be something happening!

You don't have to travel to a national park or go on a huge adventure either. Take a walk around your neighbourhood, visit a local creek, head out into the bush, or simply sit quietly in your backyard and see what appears.

So get outside, slow down, look closely and explore what's around you. You might be surprised by what has been living around you all along!

What is something you have spotted recently? ❤️

02/09/2026

I went for a walk this morning and saw Betty and Boo. My partner said, “You’ll get a visitor when you get home.” Correct!

If ever we cross paths out in the street, I swear he thinks I’m actually looking for him and telling him to come home and say hello. 99% of the time, he makes it back to my place pretty soon after I walk in the door.

He was a little agitated today. Around this time of year, many of our birds can become a little more protective and territorial. They aren't fond of Betty and Boo in the front yard anymore.

It was nice to see the gang all doing well, even if Betty started his "gardening duties" again. Haha!

01/09/2026

A common question I get asked is, “How long have you been doing this for?”

Well… apparently, I’ve been doing it for as long as I was old enough get around! Ha!

One of my Mum’s earliest memories of me was when I was about 4 years old. I was riding around on my little trike when she noticed something in the back.

She came down to investigate and discovered… a dead rat that i had found and was trying to help it! Haha!

Apparently, I basically never stopped from that moment.

Thankfully, I grew up in a family where we were in a position to have animals. I’ve been allowed to have pets, care for animals and be around wildlife for as long as I can remember. Looking after animals was never just a hobby for me, it became a huge part of who I am.

I grew up watching Steve Irwin, who was an absolutely epic role model. His passion, respect and enthusiasm for wildlife showed so many of us that learning about animals could be exciting, fun and incredibly important.

Our children are the future custodians of the wildlife around us. The way we teach them to see and treat animals today can shape how they interact with wildlife for the rest of their lives.

It doesn’t have to be complicated.

Teach them to watch wildlife rather than chase or handle it.

Teach them to look for signs of wildlife. Tracks, feathers, nests, scats, scratch marks and calls can all tell us who lives nearby without disturbing the animal.

Let them learn about the “creepy crawlies.” Spiders, beetles, ants and other small creatures are fascinating and have important jobs in the ecosystem.

Teach them the difference between a nestling and a fledgling, so they know when a baby bird actually needs help.

Teach them to give snakes and other wildlife space and respect.

Plant native plants together. Explain that flowers, seeds, shelter and trees provide food and homes for wildlife.

Let them safely observe insects, spiders, reptiles and other little creatures instead of automatically seeing them as something to kill.

Take them outside and let them experience nature. Listen for birds, identify trees and tracks, and talk about the animals that live around you.

Teach them that rubbish can become a wildlife hazard. Things like fishing line, plastic and food scraps can cause serious problems for animals.

Teach compassion without turning wildlife into pets. One of the most important lessons is that loving an animal doesn't mean touching it, feeding it or taking it home.

Read books/watch documentaries together

Most importantly, teach them that wildlife doesn’t need to be cute, cuddly or useful to us to deserve our respect.

Sometimes all it takes is one curious child, one animal encounter and an adult who takes the time to explain what they’re seeing.

The future of our wildlife depends on our kids. 💚

Last season, our community did a wonderful job learning to identify the difference between nestlings and fledglings. We ...
31/08/2026

Last season, our community did a wonderful job learning to identify the difference between nestlings and fledglings. We had very few calls where healthy young birds were accidentally taken away from their parents.

We’re heading into baby bird season again, so let’s have a little refresher, with some of our very own Bidjara locals modelling the difference between nestlings and fledglings.

Nestling = still developing in the nest.
Fledgling = has fledged (left the nest), but isn't an independent adult yet.

Nestling characteristics:

Still in the nest, unable to fly or only capable of very limited movement, little or no feathers, depending on age. Younger nestlings may have bare skin and visible down. Often have short tails and developing wings.

Fledgling characteristics

Has left the nest, usually fully or mostly feathered. Can generally stand, walk, hop or perch. May be able to fly, but flight can be awkward, short-distance or poorly controlled at first. May look slightly fluffy or scruffy compared with an adult. Still dependent on parents for food and protection. Parents continue feeding them outside the nest. Often found on the ground, low branches, fences or other exposed places while learning.

If you find a nestling - Contact your local wildlife carer immediately for further instructions. Charleville 0406663131

If you find a fledgling:

- Leave it where it is if it appears healthy and uninjured (remember not being able to fly properly is normal for a youngster)

- Keep your distance, the parents are often nearby and may be watching from somewhere you can't see.

- Keep cats, dogs and people away from the fledgling.

- Don't assume a fledgling on the ground is abandoned. Being on the ground is often a normal part of learning to fly.

- If it's in an immediate danger spot, you can move it a very short distance to a safer nearby location, where its parents can still find it. Or, pop is up in the closest tree or bush

- If it's injured, very weak, being attacked, or has been caught by a cat, contact a wildlife carer promptly.

- Observe from a distance to see if parents attend.

Being on the ground does not automatically mean a fledgling is orphaned or needs rescuing. For many species, leaving the nest and spending time on the ground is a normal stage of development.

If you ever come across a baby bird and you're unsure what to do, please don't hesitate to contact me at any time for advice. It's always better to ask first, sometimes the best thing we can do is leave a youngster with its parents, and other times it may genuinely need help.

Thanks again for taking care of our lil locals 😊❤️

31/08/2026

I saw a flock of emus back in February, and yesterday I came across a flock in the exact same area. Could they be the very same emus? Who knows! I hope so! Either way, I don't need much encouragement to share some cool facts about these fascinating Australian land birds!

Emus are Australia’s second-largest living bird, after the southern cassowary. The emu is taller, but the southern cassowary is much heavier and bulkier. Southern cassowary can weigh up 70+kgs Wild aye.

They are flightless birds, but they have tiny wings hidden beneath their shaggy feathers.

Emus can run at around 50 km/h and can maintain a fast pace over considerable distances.

Their long legs have three toes, unlike many birds that have four.

An emu egg is dark green to blue-green and can weigh around 600–700 grams — roughly equivalent to a dozen chicken eggs.

Dad does the incubating. After the female lays the eggs, the male incubates them and does not eat during most of the incubation period.

Emu chicks are striped and spotted when they hatch, helping camouflage them.

The male also raises the chicks, teaching them where to find food and water and protecting them from danger.

Emu chicks grow incredibly quickly. They can reach almost adult height within their first year, although they don't reach full maturity immediately.

Emus are omnivores. They eat a wide variety of plant material, fruits, seeds and insects and will also consume other small animals.

They swallow small stones (gastroliths), which help grind food in their muscular stomach.

Emus can travel long distances looking for water and food and are well adapted to Australia's variable conditions.

Their eyes are large and highly effective for spotting predators and other threats over open country.

Their feathers have a double shaft, giving them their distinctive loose, shaggy appearance and helping with insulation.

An emu's kick is extremely powerful. Their long legs are primarily adapted for running, but they can also be used defensively.

Emus have surprisingly complex social behaviour. Outside breeding periods, they can form loose groups, sometimes containing many birds.

During breeding, the female can mate with more than one male, and a male may incubate a clutch containing eggs from different females.

A female may lay multiple eggs over several days, adding to a clutch that can eventually become quite large.

Once the male begins incubating, he becomes remarkably dedicated to the nest, remaining sitting on the eggs for weeks with very little food or water.

Despite being big land birds, emus love taking a dip and can swim across rivers with ease.

Their shaggy feathers have a double-plumed structure (two feathers growing from a single shaft) that helps them regulate their body temperature

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Charleville, QLD
4470

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+61406663131

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