Don’t Feed the Furries

Tasmania is full of wildlife but you will have to go looking for it as much of it is nocturnal and there is enough bush and wilderness for the daytime critters to safely tuck themselves away. Sadly, the prolific nature of the wildlife will be seen in the amount of roadkill you’ll come across on your travels. Motorists can help prevent this happening by slowing down at night and taking note of wildlife warning signs.

Another thing NOT to do is feed the wildlife – let them fend for themselves. Feeding the animals or birds can make them dependent on people and they may starve in the winter months when not as many people visit. Also, many foods aren’t part of their natural diet and cause serious health problems.

The trick to spotting wildlife is to try and become one with nature – walk quietly, slowly and use your ears and eyes to explore. The snap of a twig or a swish of scrub may be a wallaby nearby, tracks in the sand or dirt may lead to birds or animals, a splash in a creek or waterhole may be a platypus or some feathers and bones may be the remains of a Tasmanian devil’s dinner – they’re not the tidiest of eaters. Or take a walk at dusk with a torch to spot wombats, possums and wallabies. Mt William, Freycinet and the Narawntapu Parks are good for spotlight walks.