THE sad sight of “possum Armageddon” around the Mornington Peninsula as wildlife literally fell from trees or died trying to drink water at the beach has prompted a reminder to place water out for animals.
The four-day heatwave that affected most of south-eastern Australia saw daytime temperatures hover around 38 degrees Celsius – as much as 20 degrees above average – with little relief overnight.
It is believed hundreds of the peninsula’s ringtail possum and smaller marsupials such as sugar gliders and native bush rats died from heat exhaustion and dehydration over the four days or exposed themselves to predation or the dangers of busy roads while seeking water. Wildlife volunteers found around 100 dead ringtails at Somers beach on Wednesday 12 March, and dozens at Mount Martha Park.
Somers Warriors 4 Wildlife rescuer Jackie Forster said she and other volunteers had visited Somers beach to leave out water for wildlife and ended up rescuing the few possums they found alive and taking them to specialised rehabilitators. Forster also visited Mount Martha Park after hearing reports of possums “falling out of trees”, and counted dozens of dead marsupials, including sugar gliders.
Another Mount Martha poster on Facebook said the marsupials “clearly didn’t cope with the heat and there is no natural water source for them in the park”. “This has happened across the peninsula. Perhaps people could be encouraged again to put out water,” she said.
Just like cats and dogs, native animals need consistent access to fresh water, especially in built up areas where natural water courses rarely exist anymore. Jenni Wadsworth, of Friends of Mount Martha Park, is investigating how to set up permanent water stations at the park after her “horror walk” at the park revealed a dead native bush rat and many dead ringtail possums along the walking tracks. She has put out a call to plumbers to donate pipe and fittings leftover from other jobs, or to make up watering units for the group.
“In light of the distressing possum Armageddon we have seen in Mount Martha Park over the past few days, Friends of Mount Martha Park is looking to install water stations before the return of the hot weather next week,” she said. Anyone who can help can contact Friends of Mount Martha Park on social media.
Zoos Victoria has also put out a video on how to safely leave water for wildlife, and other hot weather tips at zoo.org.au/summer-with-wildlife/
First published in the Mornington News – 19th March 2024
