Approved Document 2 of 3 Fauna Management Plan 26-29.8.20 OPW20-0145 · OPW20/0145

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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