Helping out our furry – and spikey – friends in the drought

In one of the worst droughts in recorded history it is not only humans who are suffering.

A small reminder of the way we can help our unique wildlife is sometimes needed.

Bohena Creek stopped flowing some time ago leaving the fauna of Bohena Creek few options for water.

These photos are from Alison Steele’s backyard on Yarrie Lake Road.

Ms Steele set up a couple of watering holes in her property for wildlife to have a drink and cool down.

And many animals are now calling her backyard home, returning each day, including a wallaby, which has made a bird bath its permanent drinking hole.

And an echidna, which Ms Steele says is “the boss of the backyard”, happily plunging into a small tub.

Her act of kindness has seen 10 to 12 animals line up for a much needed drink during the run of scorching days.

Ms Steele said she has had a range of different critters refresh in her yard and get relief from the summer heat.

“I’ve had ‘roos, wallabies, an echidna, plenty of birds, goannas, frill-neck lizards and one snake,” she said.

“It’s not hard to put out a little bit of water for all of them.

“They need it as much as we do.”

It should be taken into consideration that water for the wildlife should be separate from domestic animals to avoid potential injury or harm to either animal, she adds.