Possums and gliders that are on the ground usually need medical help.
If it is safe to do so, place a box next to the animal and using a towel, gently move the animal into the box. Place a towel around or over the animal to give it a place to retreat to, and close the box securely.
Take the animal to AZWH, RSPCA or a local vet. Once the vet has ascertained if the animal is viable, they will usually contact a wildlife carer in their area that they know of. Make a note of where and when the animal was found, as adult possums should be returned to their own area for release once they have been rehabilitated. Leave your name and phone number with the vet as the carer will want to be in contact with you.
Possums sometimes get ‘caught out’ when they don’t make it home before the sun rises. They will curl up in some strange places, and if the place is safe, i.e. away from predators, and you cannot see any injuries, let the animal sleep and watch to see if it moves off that night. If it is in the same place the next morning without having moved off during the night, it may need help.
Joey possums of all species need warmth. Ensure the joey is wrapped up in a sock or towel, and placed near warmth. These little guys are often too small to manufacture their own heat, and shock will have depleted their strength and warmth.
Gliders do get caught on barbed wire fences. Take as much care as possible in removing the gliding membrane from the wire, and contact a wildlife carer or vet for further help. Gliders with damaged membranes are still viable animals.
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