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How To Check A Pouch

How To Check A Pouch

Check a pouch and you may just save a life

Sadly every year thousands of native animals fall victim to collisions with vehicles. Many are not killed instantly and without the assistant of passers-by, can endure hours if not days of suffering.

Australia is home to many species of marsupials that carry young in their pouch for many months after birth so a large proportion of female marsupials will also be carrying a joey. We can dramatically reduce the road toll and suffering of wildlife simply by performing a ‘pouch check’ on any dead animals that we encounter.

Joeys are well cushioned in the pouch and will often survive an accident that kills its mother, only to die of starvation, dehydration, cold or eaten by ants. Joeys have been known to live for up to 5 days in the pouch after the mother has died and many stand a good chance of survival in the care of experienced wildlife carers – but only if we find them in time.

Pouch Checking Guide Hit By Car Roadkill Wildlife Rescue Australia

What You’ll Need

  • Rescue basket or enclosed breathable container

  • Scissors

  • Large safety pin to ensure joey doesn’t choke on the teat

  • Spray paint

  • Gloves

  • Pillow case or pouch to keep joey warm and secure

koala pouch check
joey kangaroo in pouch
Wombat Rescue NSW Hunter Wildlife Newcastle Australia

Steps to checking a pouch

  • 1

    Ensure your safety first. Pull over in a safe location (headlights and/or hazard lights on, off the road). Wear gloves if available — thick gardening or disposable gloves and carry a towel, pillowcase, or wildlife rescue pouch if possible.

  • 2

    Check if the animal is still alive. Approach carefully — injured wildlife can be dangerous. Look for breathing, movement, or reflexes (even if faint). If alive do not attempt to handle. Call Hunter Wildlife Rescue 24/7 on 0418 628 483 if you’re in the Hunter region or your local wildlife rescue organisation.

  • 3

    Check for a joey. Gently roll the animal onto its back. Carefully open the pouch (on females). Some pouches can be tight — use both hands. Look inside for fur, movement, warmth, or attached joeys. Whilst grasping the skin with your hands, lift and stretch the opening of the pouch so that you can see inside. Search thoroughly all the way to the bottom, as newborns are very small.

  • 4

    If a joey is found. Place your towel or pouch at the entrance of the pouch incase the joey tries to escape. Do not pull a younger joey off the teat, this can cause fatal injury. If you have one, place a large safety pin at the base of the teat and cut the teat from the mother. The safety pin will stop the joey from choking on the teat.

  • 5

    Keep it warm, dark and quiet. Gently place in a pouch, pillowcase or soft cloth bag. Do not feed or give water.

  • 6

    Mark the carcass. After checking, mark the animal with a large “X” (spray paint, stick, or dragging to roadside if safe). This prevents others from stopping unnecessarily and reassures carers the pouch has been checked.

  • 7

    Report the rescue. Call Hunter Wildlife Rescue on 0418 628 483 if you’re in the Hunter region or your local wildlife rescue organisation. Provide location (GPS pin, nearest landmark, road marker).

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