Wildlife Rescue Information Network has received an increase of calls as temperatures soared in central Victoria.

Kennington, Strathdale and Rosalind Park were among the spots people found distressed wildlife most frequently.

Read more: Hotter more often as warming trend hits Bendigo

Wildlife Rescue Information Network publicity officer Michelle Mead said that callouts over the past few weeks have been higher than normal, but typical for the time of year.

Ms Mead warned that animals behaving unusually could be a sign of heat distress.

Nocturnal animals out during the day or tree dwellers on the ground could suggest an animal suffering from heat stress or dehydration.

Ringtailed possums, flying foxes and birds are among native wildlife more vulnerable to the heat.

Just the other day Ms Mead noticed a little magpie bathing in her bird bath.

Ms Mead said while most native animals could cope with a single day above 40, heatwaves can cause animals distress as they don’t have a chance to cool down.

Bendigo hit a high of 40.7 degrees on Monday, 42.9 degrees on Tuesday and 43.6 degrees on Wednesday. Thursday was a little cooler, with a high of 38.5 degrees.

As summer wears on dry conditions conditions can also put animals at risk.

Animals such as kangaroos are also beginning to seek food on roadside verges the ground dries, meaning they are more likely to come into contact with cars.

Ms Mead urged drivers to slow down, to reduce their risk of hitting an animal.

“We always say just slow down,” Ms Mead said.

“Slow down at dusk for dawn when kangaroos are active, keep on the lookout for animals that look distressed.”

Ms Mead urged those who do find injured or distressed wildlife to contact a wildlife rescue service.

Heat distressed animals such as birds and possums can be placed in a box and kept cool until carers arrive. Flying foxes should not be touched as they can carry lyssavirus.

WRIN 0419 356 433.

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