Native Animals
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Native Animals

Discover what animals are native to Perth and what is being done to protect them.

Perth is home to many native animals, with 25 unique mammals and 187 unique reptile species not found in other states.

Some of these native animals reside in the City of Bayswater's bushlands and wetlands.

Please note:

  • Penalties of up to $500,000 apply for keeping native animals without a licence
  • Feeding our native animals is prohibited as it can damage their health; this includes feeding bread to ducks in our parks and reserves
  • The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 protects the welfare of all animals.
Native Willy Wag-tail Native Willy Wag-tail

Sick or injured wildlife

The City of Bayswater does not deal directly with wildlife issues, however it does promote the protection and care of native animals.

If you find sick or injured wildlife, please contact

  • Wildcare Helpline (24 hours) on 9474 9055 
  • Perth Wildlife Hospital on 9249 3434

If you find an entangled seabird, contact the Western Australian Seabird Rescue on 6102 8464.

If you find deceased wildlife, contact the City's Natural Area Officer on 9272 0622.

Swooping Magpie Swooping Magpie

Magpies

Magpies swoop to protect their young during nesting season (August to October). Some Magpies will try to scare off intruders by flying low and fast while clacking their beaks. Occasionally, a Magpie will strike a person, but such attacks are rare. If a magpie appears aggressive:

  • Try using a different route during the nesting season
  • Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your head and eyes
  • If on a bike, ensure you are wearing a helmet
  • Don’t crouch or run (Magpies can sense fear and may attack)
  • Confidently continue on your way or make a threatening gesture with a hat, stick etc. Usually the bird will retreat
  • Never provoke it by throwing objects. Magpies have a good memory and may continuously attack someone who has threatened them before.

Snakes

The two main species of snakes found in the City are Dugites and Tiger snakes. Both of these snakes are dangerously venomous. Tiger snakes are found in wetlands, while Dugites roam mostly in bushlands. If you see a snake on your property:

  • Keep people and pets clear
  • Maintain a safe distance
  • Contact the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055 for safe removal and relocation of the snake. 

If you encounter a snake in its natural habitat (bushland or wetlands), back away to a safe distance and allow the snake to move away.

Owls

The City of Bayswater is proud to be an owl friendly city, and is committed to protecting local owl populations and the important role they play in our natural environment.

To help reduce the risk of secondary poisoning to owls and other native wildlife, the City supplies free, limited quantities of first-generation rodent bait to residential property owners. By doing this we help reduce the risk of secondary poisoning to owls and other birds of prey.

Together with habitat conservation and community awareness these efforts support a healthier environment where wildlife and our community can thrive.

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Address

Civic Centre and Council Chambers
61 Broun Avenue, Morley
PO Box 467 Morley 6943

Phone

08 9272 0622

Email

mail@bayswater.wa.gov.au

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The City of Bayswater acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation, and pays its respects to elders past, present and emerging.

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