Heatwave kills thousands of ringtail possums across Frankston and Mornington Peninsula

Thousands of ringtail possums are dead after scorching temperatures forced them into the ocean in an attempt to cool down.

Crystal Ocean Wildlife operator Brenda Marmion caring for a ringtail possum. Picture: Norm Oorloff

Thousands of ringtail possums died across Frankston and the Peninsula in the recent heatwave, devastated wildlife volunteers say.

Australian Wildlife Protection Council secretary Eve Kelly said volunteers were reeling after seeing the suffering of animals during the hot spell, which saw temperatures spike to the mid-to-high 30s for a week.

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“Rescuers, wildlife shelters, vets and community members witnessed the terrible suffering of ringtail possums as they struggled to cope with the temperatures over several days,” she said.

“Many possums simply dropped out of their nests unable to survive the scorching heat.

“Others made their way into the sea trying desperately to cool down.”

Crystal Ocean Wildlife operator Brenda Marmion said a simple solution for the public to help possums was to hang a basket with a plate of water and a stick. Picture: Norm Oorloff

Ms Kelly said mass deaths of possums had been reported at Somers, Capel Sound, Fingal, Gunnamatta, Mt Martha and along the Frankston Freeway.

“Scores more have been hit and killed on the roads throughout the Peninsula,” she said.

Brenda Marmion, who runs Rye’s Crystal Ocean Wildlife Shelter, said the toll on ringtail possums had been horrific.

Thousands of ringtail possums were killed in the recent heatwave. Picture: Norm Oorloff

Ms Marmion said her shelter alone had taken in more than 20 possums needing aid.

“It’s absolutely tragic,” she said.

Ms Marmion said surfers had conveyed possums — found trying to get across scorching sand to drink seawater — to her shelter.

“I have had volunteers coming in and helping. Some we had to take to the vet to get injections of fluid.”

Wildlife Help on the Mornington Peninsula group volunteer Klarissa Garnaut said possum deaths were not uncommon during hot spells, but intense humidity had dramatically increased the toll.

Ms Garnaut said drinking seawater was deadly for possums.

“It bloats them and kills them,” she said.

Ms Kelly urged residents to leave shallow dishes of water out in their garden for local wildlife in the heat.

Frankston Mayor Michael O’Reilly said the council encouraged residents to call local veterinary clinics, local animal shelters and Australian Wildlife Assistance Rescue and Education on 0412 433 727.