Dunnart sightings on the rise in Wagin
The small nocturnal fat-tailed dunnart has been frequently spotted throughout the Wagin area recently.
The carnivorous marsupial is no bigger than an ordinary house mouse reaching the body length of about 90mm and weighing no larger than 20.
It has been sighted by multiple residents who have found the animal in their backyard.
Known to live in diverse habitats across Australia, including the Kimberley, Northern Territory and grassy woodlands in the South West, Wagin Woodanilling Natural Resource Management officer Gen Harvey said this time of year the dunnart goes into a period of torpor, similar to a state of hibernation, to reserve energy when food is scarce.
"Sometimes dogs and cats can easily get them because they are disturbed in this period and are slightly dazed," she said.
"They are not endangered, but there is a lack of vegetation similar to their normal habitat."
Ms Harvey said if the animal is seen it is best to leave it alone, or to find a log or rock crevice to put it in to keep it out of the way.
