Nice stories Phil and Jeanette - it is nice to hear that our wildlife have kind people that are concerned for their welfare!
My main problem with the Possum was that I was approaching the rescue attempt on the foolish premise that:
- He would somehow know I was trying to help him and so would be gentle with me and cooperate
- I was trying to be gentle for fear he had some rear quarters paralysis or injury
- Being an Englishman, I haven’t really been exposed to real wildlife previously and I still think that small furry things should be treated carefully like pets, so I tend to put their welfare and well being before mine…
I have now had my first lesson, in learning to approach them confidently and firmly to minmise injury to either party. Although I must say, I was mightily impressed when Rob Charteris (Coombell Kid) led that rampaging bull or cantankerous cow or whatever, out of the upper observing paddock in the middle of the night at last year’s Qld Astrofest!
I cannot imagine the qualities someone like Steve Irwin must have possessed, allowing him to do what he did best, protecting our wildlife and environment.
Cheers
Dennis