By Tanya Steele
Residents have been discovering injured and killed wildlife in the Yarra Glen wetlands in the last few months, with no easy solution in sight.
Resident Vicki Loyd-Smith walked the area recently and said she is concerned that wildlife is regularly being taken by either foxes or cats.
“The foxes are potentially breeding, but I have noticed this year has been particularly rough for the wetlands at Yarra Glen,” she said.
“I have found dead bird remains several times this year when I walk my dog around the area,” she said.
As an animal lover, resident and wildlife carer Ms Higman finds it quite distressing that the animals are being injured, maimed and killed.
The land itself borders residential homes and is privately owned and managed by the owners of the Yarra Glen shopping area.
Earlier in the year in March Ms Loyd-Smith was walking with young family members and her dog and the group came upon many deceased birds spread around the lake.
The concerns were taken to Yarra Ranges Council via email on 13 March:
“We counted no less than two beautiful ducks and 3 native black-tailed swamp hens, massacred almost beyond recognition,” Ms Loyd -Smith said.
A representative from DEECA said that landowners are the party responsible to help prevent the spread of and as far as possible remove foxes from their property.
“Landowners can contact Council for information regarding fox control on Council land, and any community-led, cross-tenure pest animal management initiatives that may be happening. Foxes forage around rubbish bins, picnic sites, compost heaps and also feed on fruit and pet food left outside.” they said.
Ms Loyd-Smith wants some awareness about the situation and hopes that something can be done about it.
“These birds are a precious sight at the Yarra Glen Wetlands and all the locals adore seeing them, however, to see their body parts strewn around the area was not only sickening and sad for my grandkids, but it broke my heart as well because I am a wildlife rescuer and care deeply for all animals,” she said.
