Wild Animals on Campus

Safety Notice

Animals on Campus

Due to UNE’s regional location, there are many types of animals that come onto the Campus over the year, some even live on the grounds. It is very important that you know how to act around these animals to ensure your and the animals’ safety.

Snakes

  • If you do see a snake, do not touch try and touch it, pick it up or throw things at it. Snakes will attack you if they are provoked.
  • Remain still and wait for it to move away; or if the snake does not make any movements, move away very slowly.
  • Contact UNE Safety and Security (details below) as soon as possible and alert them to the location of the snake.
  • If you are bitten by a snake, seek First Aid attention immediately; if no one is around, call 000, apply pressure to the bite area and remain still.

Kangaroos

Kangaroos can injure people if they are surprised/cornered so here are some basic rules to  follow to keep us all safe:

  • Maintain a respectful distance from kangaroos and wildlife on campus
  • Be mindful of wildlife when travelling on roads and footpaths
  • Report injured wildlife to Safety and Security on 6773 2099
  • Be aware of potential aggressive behaviour in kangaroos, including growling, clucking, and sparring

For more information please refer to the Safely Interacting with Kangaroos information sheet.

Other Native & Stray Animals

  • Whilst they can look harmless, native animals such as kangaroos, koalas and blue-tongue lizards; and stray animals such as cats and dogs; can attack if you attempt to touch them or pick them up.
  • You may also injure them if you try and pick them up.
  • It is best to admire native animals from afar.
  • Call UNE Safety and Security immediately to report any stray animals on the Campus.

Magpies

  • During spring time, magpies become very territorial (due to breeding) and swoop people passing under trees.
  • It is best to avoid walking under trees where possible and wear a hat and/or carry a stick to swing above your head if you do need to walk under trees.

Other Points on Animals

  • Do not feed any animals you see, the wrong types of food can make animals very sick and they may also become dependent on being fed by humans.
  • If you come across an injured animal on Campus, contact UNE Safety and Security.

Contact for Further Information

UNE Work Health and Safety (WHS) Team: whs@une.edu.au and UNE Safety and Security: 6773 2099

For a print version to display on WHS Notice Boards please click here.