We all love our native Australian wildlife, but they can pose danger to humans if we come into contact with them. Kangaroos, snakes, possums and magpies are some of the more common species we come across in our area. Learn how to live harmoniously with our wildlife, and how you can protect yourself and your home from wildlife encounters.
Kangaroos are one of Australia's most well-known native animals.
Victoria has three species of kangaroo: Red, Eastern Grey and Western Grey.
Unfortunately kangaroos can be destructive.
They can negatively impact farming by causing damage to crops and pastures and compete with grazing livestock for food. In communities they can cause traffic accidents, and sometimes show aggressive behaviours toward people and pets if they feel threatened.
Are kangaroos friendly?
Kangaroos are mostly docile but can be unpredictable when they feel threatened.
As Australian native wildlife, kangaroos are a protected species.
They graze on grass and other vegetation including watered lawns and sports fields. These sources of food and water become more attractive when their normal grazing areas and water sources have dried up.
Kangaroos generally rest during the day in shaded areas and feed from early dusk until mid-morning.
How can I stay safe around kangaroos?
Using common sense around wildlife is the best way to stay safe.
- Don't walk directly towards a kangaroo.
- Be mindful of how you appear - don't stand up tall, stare or hold your arms out towards a kangaroo.
- Avoid going near kangaroos engaged in courtship or mating behaviour – for example, males sniffing, touching or moving around with females.
- Stay away from male kangaroos that are sparring, fighting or showing off their size and strength to each other.
- Don't go near a kangaroo that is growling or clucking.
- Don't move between a female and her joey.
- Keep pets on a lead and away from kangaroos, who will vigorously defend themselves against dogs.
What should I do if there are kangaroos in my neighbourhood?
- Try to avoid close encounters with kangaroos.
- Don’t try to touch, pat or feed them.
- Use a torch or spotlight when moving around your garden at night if you suspect kangaroos may be there.
- Scan the area to avoid accidentally approaching a kangaroo resting in your yard.
- Don't deliberately try to scare a kangaroo from your yard. This may make the animal aggressive in an attempt to protect itself. It could also scare the kangaroo onto a road and cause an accident.
- Give them space. You may not like having a kangaroo in your yard but they won't harm you if left alone.
- Remove reasons for kangaroos to visit your yard such as water sources.
- You can also spray plants with a browsing deterrent (product sprayed on plants which animals don't like).
Why have we been building on land inhabited by kangaroos?
- The State Government sets the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), which is the edge of suburbia. The state government is also responsible for approving Precinct Structure Plans (PSPs) that enable urban development to occur within the boundary.
- We are advocating to have the UGB remain where it is and not extend further into the green wedge areas.
- We will always be faced with an interface between suburbia and rural areas which will be where kangaroos and people will need to co-exist.
- We are working with the State Government and other stakeholders in our region to find ways to manage kangaroo populations as this problem is not just in our municipality.
- Recent PSPs approved by the State Government now require all residential developers to prepare to prepare Kangaroo Management Plans as part of any subdivision.
How do I keep my pets safe when kangaroos are around?
Keep pet dogs on lead if kangaroos are present.
Dogs have been badly injured when chasing kangaroos.
Penalties apply for having your dog off lead and for an attack on a kangaroo.
- Dog off Lead - $165
- Wandering at large (day) - $248
- Wandering at large (night) - $330
- Unregistered dog - $330
- Minor attack - $412
- Serious attack (causing serious injury or death) – Magistrates Court.
There are kangaroos on my sports ground. What should I do?
- We are aware of kangaroos frequenting sportfields where there is plenty of grass to feed on. We are working with the state Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to look at suitable solutions.
- The safety of the children and other sportsfield users is paramount. Please don’t approach the kangaroos or put your club volunteers in danger.
- While fences are not a suitable option to manage kangaroos on sportsfields, we will erect signs to help guide residents and clubs.
How can I stay safe on the road?
- Be aware that kangaroos may cross roads at any time. However, they are particularly active at dusk and dawn.
- Be alert - look out for wildlife feeding near the roadside.
- Don't sound your horn at kangaroos, and dip your high beam lights to avoid startling them.
- If you have an accident with a kangaroo and the kangaroo is injured, call Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300
- If you find a kangaroo on a busy road that is causing a traffic hazard, call 000
Note: If you come across a dead kangaroo that has been spray painted, this means that a wildlife rescuer has checked the pouch for joeys.
Can we have more signs to warn about kangaroos?
We will be erecting signage around populated areas and sportsfields to warn people of the presence of kangaroos.
There are road safety standards and guidelines around signage on the sides of roads which we have to adhere to.
Does Council provide help for injured kangaroos?
- Council is not responsible for the management of kangaroos or any other wildlife in the municipality and is not resourced to provide a full wildlife rescue service.
- If you spot an injured kangaroo, call Wildlife Victoria 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 03 8400 7300.
- While Council’s Animal Management team does play a role with the euthanasia of kangaroos if required, it is Wildlife Victoria who can help organise a local carer for injured or sick animals.
- If you come across a dead kangaroo that has been spray painted, this means that a wildlife rescuer has checked the pouch for joeys and the kangaroo has been reported for collection.
- The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is creating a state-wide Kangaroo Management Plan and Council will pass on your feedback if you wish to contribute ideas for the plan.
What is the City of Whittlesea doing more broadly to protect kangaroos within its municipality?
As our population expands, the management of kangaroos in an integrated way is increasingly important.
The City of Whittlesea is advocating for a regional approach to kangaroo managemen(PDF, 31MB)t to reduce the risk of landlocking kangaroo populations and ensure the ongoing health and viability of kangaroos in the municipality.
Is anything being done about the kangaroos near the Edgars Road extension in Epping?
While Council is not the landowner at the site and does not have the authority to manage kangaroos, we are working with relevant parties to try and find an appropriate solution.
We have:
- Had discussions with both the landowner, Development Victoria, and responsible authority DEECA around kangaroo management considerations for this site prior to the Edgars Road extension opening
- Recommended that Development Victoria prepare a Kangaroo Management Plan
- Arranged the installation of signs to warn motorists about kangaroos prior to the opening of the road and set a speed limit of 50km/h
- Met with Wildlife Victoria to discuss what other options there might be to improve safety for both motorists and kangaroos.
- Met with Wildlife Victoria to discuss options to improve safety for both motorists and kangaroos.
Why does it seem kangaroos are becoming an issue now?
- The eastern grey kangaroo has a preference for open habitats and is willing to live near people. It is often seen where human settlements adjoin bushland.
- Rural and semi-urban developed areas with their lawns, water sources and shady areas provide ideal living conditions for the eastern grey kangaroo.
- Over summer, the grasslands dry and kangaroos seek food sources closer to humans such as lawns and sportsfields.
- As urban areas encroach on kangaroo habitat, people are more regularly coming into contact with them.
- This is common across the whole of eastern Australia, not just the City of Whittlesea.
Why can't we just move them on?
Relocating kangaroos is difficult as they need to be sedated.
Evidence shows they may not stay in their new location, but look to return to where they came from.
If they are trying to get back, there is an increased risk of crossing roads for kangaroos who are disorientated.
Is culling kangaroos and option?
As kangaroos are a protected species, it is illegal to cull them without a permit.
Applications to cull kangaroos must be submitted to and approved by DEECA.
Culling kangaroos in urban areas also requires approval from Victoria Police to use high powered firearms in a populated area.
Is erecting fences an option?
Fencing is often not an option because kangaroos are widespread and fencing every reserve or park to contain kangaroos is not practical.
In areas that have fenced kangaroos in, they have continued to breed and then slowly starved during dry times.
Why do I sometimes see kangaroos staggering around?
A common pasture grass called phalaris can be toxic to animals that graze on it.
Symptoms commonly seen in kangaroos that have chronic phalaris toxicity poisoning:
- muscle tremors
- abnormal or erratic movement
- repeated falling over
- it may appear that the kangaroo is drunk or staggering.
Currently there is no known treatment for this condition in wildlife.
If you suspect a kangaroo with chronic phalaris toxicity poisoning, contact your local vet, a wildlife rescue organisation or DEECA on 136 186.
Who is responsible for kangaroo management in Victoria?
In Victoria, the management of kangaroos and other wildlife is the responsibility of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change (DEECA).
DEECA can be contacted on 136 186 or via their website at www.wildlife.vic.gov.au
Who can I call for help?
- To report injured, sick or orphaned wildlife, including kangaroos, call Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300.
- To report people harassing, harming or disturbing kangaroos call the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action on 136 186 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
- To report dogs chasing or harassing kangaroos call Council on 03 9217 2170 or DEECA on 136 186.
- To report kangaroos in parks call Council on 03 9216 2170.
- To apply to manage kangaroos call DEECA 136 186.
Victoria has around 27 different species of snakes, including some of the most venomous in the world. It’s important to know what to do if you see a snake, and how to keep yourself, others, and your pets safe. Snakes are not dangerous to people or pets if they don’t feel threatened.
What do I do if I find myself close to a snake?
Freeze. Stay as still as you can.
You may have to wait a while for the snake to move off, but this is your best option.
You can yell for help. Snakes are more worried about movement than sound vibrations.
What if my pet is near a snake?
Try to coax your pet away, or if you can get close enough, calmly pick up your pet or lead it away.
How can I minimise the risk of snakes being on my property?
- Mow your grass regularly.
- Keep compost heaps well away from the house.
- Remove piles of rubbish.
- Reduce other pests like mice, which snakes feed on.
- Screen doors and windows, and try to block possible points of entry.
Should I kill the snake?
- Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975.
- It is illegal to capture, harm, or kill wildlife.
- Snakes are best left alone, they will go away by themselves.
- You can call a licensed snake catcher to remove them for you.
What if a person or pet is bitten by a snake?
People:
- Give first aid and seek medical advice by dialling 000.
- Try to stay calm, or keep the person calm.
Animals:
- If a pet was bitten, call your veterinarian for advice.
- Try to keep your pet still and calm.
Seeing possums at a campground is often a delightful experience. But when they invade your home roofspace they become pests, causing noise and damage to your property and eating food that was meant for your pets.
How do I remove a possum from my roof?
- You can't kill a possum by poisoning or any other means. They are protected by the Wildlife Act 1975.
- There are many proprietary possum traps available.
- You may need to call a professional wildlife catcher in your area.
- You can access more information on the Wildlife Victoria website on their managing wildlife – possums page.
How can I stop possums from getting into my roof?
- Block off suspected access points.
- Install a one-way flap; once outside, they can’t get back in.
- Prune all branches that are close to the roofline.
- Use metal or perspex collars around tree trunks to prevent climbing.
- Consider installing a nest box so the possums will use that instead of your roof.
Magpies. The lovable black and white birds that have a recognisable warbling call, can be both clever and frightening when they swoop.
Why do magpies swoop?
- Their swooping behaviour is seasonal and coincides with their breeding season in spring.
- They do it to protect their nests and their babies.
- They are not predatory to humans and only do it to protect their young.
How can I avoid being swooped?
- Avoid areas where you know swooping occurs, if you can.
- Cover your head. Wear a hat or use an umbrella.
- Magpies are less likely to swoop groups of people. Walk with friends.
What not to do
Please don't:
- throw stones at the magpies
- destroy nests
- feed magpies.
As with all wildlife they are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975.