A Wildcare volunteer was called to the Burra home after the owner found what they thought was a sugar glider on the carpet. 

The rescuer, Dianne, said she was amazed to find it was an “extremely lucky” Feathertail glider. 

“Some firewood had been brought into the house and the glider must have fallen from it,“ she said.

“The homeowner found it on the carpet, heading towards the door and she could not believe her eyes.

“To think this tiny creature had been carried into the house on the back of a log was amazing.”

The tiny but adult glider weighed about 10 grams.

Feathertails normally spend their time above the ground, but can come down to forage for food, such as ants and termites.

“Checking out the woodheap outside, it appeared to be in an ideal place to attract this type of animal, being close to a huge old broad leaf peppermint, Eucalyptus bridgesiana, situated in an overgrown deep gully,” Dianne said.

“This lucky lady was in good condition and was released back into the gully. Insectivorous bats and possums have also been known to catch a ride on firewood, so please take care.”

Wildcare has often encouraged people to keep the area around their house and backyard nice and tidy, so that wildlife – particularly venomous snakes, can be discouraged or readily seen.

Woodpiles can be a high-risk area, as snakes, lizards, spiders, echidnas and other animals can make it their home. If we are vigilant we can see problems before they arise, but a recent Wildcare incident brought home the need to take great care.

At this time of year, as wildlife gets on the move, it is even more important to ensure animals cannot readily get into the house and give you a surprise.

Wildcare often gets called out to remove snakes that have wriggled through a gap or when a screen door has been left open!

One year, Wildcare rescued an echidna that had trundled through an open door and taken up residence in the hallway.

Wildcare can be contacted on 6299 1966.