The drought is leading to some unusual rescue situations for wildlife rescuers as animals seek out food and water.
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The rescue of a kangaroo with it's head stuck in a bucket prompted rescue organisation FAWNA to remind people to properly dispose of rubbish.
In addition, FAWNA secretary, Andrew Ryan suggested that while the organisation does not advocate leaving feed out for wildlife, water in safe containers can only help our fauna battle these unusually dry conditions.
FAWNA rescuers we called to Pembrooke, west of Port Macquarie on Sunday morning, August 25, to attempt to rescue the sub-adult male kangaroo.
Kangaroos can succumb to deadly capture myopathy, caused by the stress of capture and/or handling of wild animals, meaning it was important for the rescuers to find a quick rescue solution.
"The first option of corralling the roo against a fence didn't work," FAWNA president Meridith Ryan said.
"Plan B to quietly track and use a rope lasso and some positive but gentle force to restrain the animal while the container was removed worked a treat, and within minutes the roo happily leapt a fence and escaped from those 'scary humans'."
The FAWNA rescuers suggested the two litre water container might have had some water in it and the roo was able to get its head in, but not out again.
Anyone seeing wildlife needing help should call the 24 hours FAWNA rescue hotline on 6581 4141.
FAWNA is the only licensed rescue organisation on the Mid Coast, covering an area from Bulahdelah in the south to Kempsey, and west to Stroud and Gloucester.
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