Recently, after a bush fire raged along the Victorian coast firefighters came to the aide of a koala while, the firefighters were working to put out a fire near Lorne when they came across a koala laying unconscious along the side of the road. As seen in a video circulating the internet firefighters helped hydrate the koala once she woke up then took her to safety to receive help.

Constable K Bear

Police stated on Sunday that the koala they nicknamed Constable K Bear is so far doing well while, sometimes protecting the wildlife during fires can be difficult they were so far successful being able to help the koala. Firefighters and Police found Constable K Bear laying along a road and administered some water for the bush fire affected koala before taking her to be properly evaluated and ministered to. It is currently unknown how many animals are still in need of care or died in the fire but people are urged to contact Wildlife Victoria if they find sick animals. See the video of the rescue here. 

Wildlife Victoria

Amy Hidge of Wildlife Victoria said at the moment they do not have any definitive number for the amount of animals who did not escape the fire, they are urging people who come across animals that are acting strange to feel free to contact them to assist the animals. She understands that animals are not the main priority of most the efforts but would like to implore to people about the importance of helping animals that have been bush fire affected. Amy Hidge knows that being able to tell if an animal is bush fire affected may be difficult. You will not be able to tell if the pads of their feet have suffered burns or if they have inhaled smoke. However, this is why she encourages people to go ahead and contact them if they notice any animals that are showing strange signs or behaviors. Wildlife Victoria in coordination with the Department of Land Water and Planning has their wildlife officers out looking throughout the affected areas to help properly assist affected animals. Wildlife Victoria asks people to avoid the wildfire areas until the proper officials give clearance to return to those areas. However, animals will be traveling to new locations after the bush fire.

Identifying Bush Fire Affected Animals

Wildlife Victoria tells people to keep a look out for animals that do not flee when approached. Also, animals out during the wrong time of the day could be suffering from bush fire affects. Wildlife Victoria asks people to remember that animals can be found many months after bush fires still suffering the damage of the fires. Also, any kind of differences that can be seen may be a sign that the wildlife is suffering from bush fire affects.

Keep Vigilant

Wildlife Victoria has already predicted that this summer may be very hot and result in heat waves and possibly even more bush fires. Officials are asking that people keep an eye out for animals and any signs of fires and make contacts where necessary to help the animals. The community is asked to contact Wildlife Victoria to help any animals acting strangely and if the community would like to help than they are beseeching people to make a tax deductible donation to Wildlife Victoria to help with expenses because, with numerous animals to assist and care for costs can add up quite quickly.