A koala in Warrnambool was seriously injured after becoming caught in an illegal steel-jawed trap.

The koala was found in a tree by a member of the public, who contacted a local wildlife shelter. With assistance from the Country Fire Authority, the koala was safely rescued, treated, and later released following veterinary assessments.

Serrated steel-jawed leghold traps cannot be used to trap any animal, and their sale is illegal. These devices cause severe injury and suffering, and their use is strictly prohibited under Victorian animal welfare laws.

If you see wildlife that is injured or needing care, please don’t touch it or take it home. Use the Help for Injured Wildlife Tool at www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/hfiw or call 136 186 to reach a trained rescuer.

We urge anyone with information to contact us anonymously online or call 1800 333 000.