21-05-2025
Winter warning to Aussie residents after surprising discovery in fireplace
A winter warning has been issued as Aussies light up their fireplaces to combat the chilly temperatures. Before igniting the wood or gas, wildlife rescuers are urging people to have a look and make sure no animals have moved into the 'cosy spot'.
The plea comes after staff at a hotel in the ACT busted a brushtail possum trying to check in. Seeking a warm place to sleep in the early hours of the morning, the creature strutted through the reception in front of surprised workers, ACT Wildlife rescuers told Yahoo News.
'It climbed up into the wood pile when the staff member tried to shoo it out of the front sliding door,' Clare Wynter and Stephen Bartos, who responded to the callout, said.
Photos of the adorable creature show the possum hiding on top of the wood stacked high next to the foyer's fireplace. Luckily, he didn't put up much of a fight, and after removing a few pieces, the rescuers were able to wrap a towel around the 'very healthy' animal and place it in a rescue basket.
He was kept for the day and released nearby later that night.
'With nocturnal animals, it's important to release them in the night when they are active,' the volunteers told Yahoo. 'If they are released in the daytime, they are at risk of being attacked by daytime animals, such as larger birds.'
The possum's cheeky manoeuvre is just one of many incidents involving fireplaces that wildlife carers around the country have come across in recent weeks. Rescuers with Wildcare Australia Inc, based in southeast Queensland, discovered an uninjured 'little' possum sitting on top of kindling after climbing down a chimney.
'But before you light that first fire, it's crucial to ensure your chimney is safe for both your home and local wildlife,' the organisation said online.
'Chimneys and flues can become inviting shelters for animals, especially in cooler weather. Unfortunately, this can lead to serious injuries, including burns and smoke inhalation, for any wildlife seeking refuge there. We often see an increase in injured possums and other wildlife needing help at this time of year.'
Western Australia-based Kanyana Wildlife has issued the same warning, stating every winter it sees numerous 'cases where possums, cockatoos, phascogales, owls, bats and other hollow-dependent native animals are trapped in unsafe 'hollows'," which include roller doors, roofs and under solar panels.
'Many suffer severe burns and smoke inhalation,' the group said.
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ACT Wildlife encourages Aussies who have a fireplace or wood stove to check them before starting their first fire, and to contact a local rescue group for advice if an animal is found. Other tips include:
Use a torch to thoroughly inspect the chimney and flue for signs of wildlife.
Cover the top of chimneys with wire to prevent animals from entering the home.
Consider placing species-appropriate nest boxes on your property as a safer alternative.
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