SUPERSEDED Compiled Approved Plans for OPW20-0145 05

                     4.3. Fauna Handling Procedure

                          Possums
                          To capture possums on the ground, it is best practice to grab the tail and the back of the neck.
                          This will ensure the best grip on the animal and ensures that the handler is not in danger of
                          being scratched or bitten, where practical the spotter/catcher should wear the appropriate
                          gloves. Once the possum is restrained, it should be placed into an appropriately sized calico
                          bag or pet carrier.
                          Where the presence of a possum is confirmed within a drey or hollow using an EWP or
                          inspection camera, the spotter/catcher will deem which method is practical and will gain the
                          best outcome for the in-habitant. Potential methods include removal using an EWP where
                          practical or soft felling the tree. As possums are predominantly nocturnal, they should be
                          released after sunset.

                          Gliders
                          To capture gliders on the ground it is best practice to grab the tail and the back of the neck.
                          This will ensure the beast grip on the animal and ensures that staff are in no danger of being
                          scratched or bitten, where practical the spotter/catcher should wear the appropriate gloves.
                          Gliders are smaller than possums so it will be easier to get a grip around the back of the neck.
                          Once the glider is caught it is to be placed into an appropriately sized calico bag, where
                          multiple gliders are found in one hollow, they should be housed in one large calico bag.
                          Where the presence of a possum is confirmed within a hollow using an EWP or inspection
                          camera, the spotter/catcher will deem which method is practical and will gain the best
                          outcome for the in-habitant. Potential methods include removal using an EWP where practical
                          or soft felling the tree. As gliders are predominantly nocturnal, they should be released after
                          sunset.

                          Non-venomous Snakes
                          Caution should be taken when handling non-venomous snakes. If the identification cannot be
                          confirmed prior to handling or if there is any uncertainty the snake should be handled as if it
                          is venomous. Where possible the hook and bag technique should be used, where this is not
                          possible the animal can be restrained at the base of the skull with a thumb and forefinger
                          either side of the head and to the rear of the lower jaw.
                          When a snake is sighted, warn others of its location and ask them to stand back as you capture
                          and secure the animal. Place the animal into snake hoop bag and securely close the bag. The
                          bag should be placed in safe location and everyone should be made aware not to touch any
                          bags containing fauna.

                           Venomous Snakes
                          Do not handle Venomous snakes unless you have completed a venomous snake handling
                          course with a suitably qualified trainer and have been approved by Joel Keady to handle
                          venomous snakes. Where practical use the hook and bag method to capture venomous
                          snakes.
                          When a snake is sighted, warn others of its location and ask them to stand back as you capture
                          and secure the animal. Place the animal into snake hoop bag and securely close the bag. The


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Document Set ID: 21753628
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Version: 1, Version Date: 12/01/2022
                          24/03/2021