NSW Agriculture is urging Wingecarribee residents living in areas affected by bushfires who discover injured or lost wildlife to contact wildlife organisations for assistance.

Wildlife experts are preparing for an influx of wildlife in residential areas in the wake of the bushfires, particularly those parts of Sydney on the borders of national parks.

Di Spilsted, of Sydney Wildlife, said native animals and other wildlife will smell smoke and flee their usual environment in times of bushfires.

She said residents could return to their homes in the wake of fires to discover wildlife not normally present in their yard, or taking cover under houses or sheds.

“If you do find an animal that is not normally near your home, throw a towel over it and put it into a box in a dark, quiet area, then contact a wildlife agency to arrange collection,” Ms Spilsted said.

“In the case of an uninjured bird, don’t try to pick it up, simply leave water and food.

“If you find any distressed or injured animals, you can also contact Aware, Wires or Sydney Wildlife, and we can help recover and treat them.”

Senior Agriculture Protection officer with NSW Agriculture, John Bowler, said department staff would continue working closely with other animal agencies to ensure animal welfare assistance is available.

“Naturally the focus is on property and the safety of people at times like these, however, it is important that animal welfare is managed at the same time,” he said.

“NSW Agriculture staff are working round the clock with related agencies such as the RSPCA, wildlife organisations and the NSW Farmers Association, to coordinate an animal welfare response.” Contact agencies for injured or stray wildlife include:

- WIRES 4862 1788

- Sydney Wildlife 9413 4300

- Australian Wildlife Ambulance Rescue Emergency (AWARE) 9525 0010.