The odd hot day, followed by cold snaps and sometimes storms.
And through it all, locals are being advised to be wary of what impact the conditions can have on native wildlife.
During the warmer days, WIRES volunteers say heat stress, dehydration and exhaustion can quickly become life-threatening, particularly for birds, kangaroos and the area’s large population of bats.
These animals are also more vulnerable as Daylight Saving starts to wind down, and darkness comes earlier as the weeks roll by.
WIRES has four trained volunteers covering the wider Deniliquin zone, which stretches from Gerogery to Mulwala, Finley, Berrigan, Henty and Mathoura.
Anyone needing assistance is asked to call the WIRES rescue line directly, where the job will be allocated to the nearest available branch or responder.
The service is completely free.
Around 80 per cent of local callouts involve birds and kangaroos, but Deniliquin is also home to several specialist wildlife carers trained in handling reptiles, amphibians, birds of prey, microbats and Grey-headed flying foxes.
The town’s flying fox and microbat populations are particularly vulnerable during heatwaves, as bats struggle to regulate their body temperature and can succumb to heat stress rapidly. Dehydration is another major killer.
Volunteers say small acts from the community can make a big difference.
Setting up sprinklers and refuges in shaded areas, and leaving out shallow water dishes, can help reduce ambient temperatures and give distressed animals a chance to recover.
Residents are also encouraged to call WIRES for welfare checks, even if an animal is not visibly injured.
Deniliquin is also supported by a trained venomous snake handler, ensuring safe responses to snake-related incidents during the hotter months when reptiles are more active.
WIRES volunteers remind the community that no concern is too small, if an animal appears unwell, disoriented, overheated or simply “not right”, a call to WIRES can prevent suffering and save lives.
For wildlife emergencies or advice, contact WIRES on their 24-hour rescue line, 1300 094 737.
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