While your puppy may be scared of fireworks, native wildlife also goes looking for somewhere quiet when New Year’s Eve celebrations start booming and flashing across the sky, and sometimes they choose the most unexpected spots.
As we welcome 2026, WIRES is asking the public to keep an eye out for displaced or distressed native animals following fireworks displays, reminding residents that possums, birds and gliders can be just as startled as household pets.
When the noise starts, frightened animals may abandon their usual habitat and shelter wherever they can find calm. That can mean under eaves, on verandas, beneath houses, or tucked away inside sheds and garages. In some cases, they may even curl up on doorsteps or cling to flyscreens as the night unfolds.
Over Christmas, one resident returned home to find a juvenile ringtail possum fast asleep in a front door Christmas wreath.
WIRES volunteer Inga attended the scene and safely rescued the youngster, nicknamed Holly.
“It’s not uncommon for juveniles to go exploring when they first start fending for themselves,” Inga said.
“As a nocturnal species, I suspect little Holly decided the greenery on the front door was a cosy spot rather than finding her way home.”
After being checked and found injury-free, Holly was released back into nearby bushland, climbing a paperbark tree and promptly falling asleep again.
Fireworks can also send wildlife bolting across roads without warning. WIRES is urging motorists to slow down and stay alert on New Year’s Eve and in the days that follow, when disoriented animals may still be trying to find their way home.
Possums and gliders face particular risks. When panicked, adults can accidentally dislodge their joeys, known as back-riders, as they scramble through thick bushland or suburban gardens. Juvenile birds may also end up grounded, where trained volunteers may be able to reunite them with their parents or bring them into care if needed.
If you come across a native animal that appears orphaned, injured or simply out of place, WIRES advises keeping pets well away and resisting the urge to handle it. A quick call for advice can make all the difference, and avoid adding extra stress to an already frightened animal.
“New Year’s Eve is an evening of celebration for us to all enjoy,” said WIRES CEO Leanne Taylor.
“We simply ask the public to please keep an eye out and report any displaced or distressed native wildlife on the night itself and the days following.”
At this time we also thank all the wonderful wildlife volunteers and supporters for all their efforts in 2025 to ensure native animals needing help are rescued, rehabilitated and returned to the wild.”
WIRES Rescue Office operates 24/7 on 1300 094 737, with online reporting also available. at https://www.wires.org.au/rescue/report-a-rescue.
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