Australian wildlife moves into homes after habitat loss
A decade of rescue data shows native animals like possums, bats, and wombats are commonly found in roofs, walls, and even bedrooms as they seek shelter in
Native animals are increasingly using Australian houses as substitute habitats, according to new research. The study analyzed ten years of wildlife rescue reports, finding thousands of cases where animals moved into buildings.
Researchers from the University of Melbourne examined 2,400 cases of animals using buildings as habitat. Lead author Bethany Kiss, an architect, said animals are seeking out structures as their natural homes and hollows disappear. "We found native wildlife using almost every part of the house imaginable," Kiss stated. People often consider these incidents unusual, but they are actually very common.
Common animal residents
Most animals were found in roof spaces, walls, garages, and under houses. About 10 percent were discovered in indoor rooms like bedrooms and kitchens. The data, provided by Wildlife Victoria, reveals which species are most frequently reported inside buildings.
Unusual encounters
Rescue services report surprising incidents. One caller discovered juvenile sugar gliders in her kitchen. "She had reached under the sink for a dishwashing tablet and instead her hand landed on something furry," said Aleisha Hall, a spokesperson for Wildlife Victoria. The gliders were curled up in a small jar, and volunteers later found five more.
In another case, an echidna entered a house and headed for the pantry. The homeowner found it pulling items off shelves, including a heavy food processor. Luckily, that homeowner was also a wildlife rescuer and returned it outside safely.
Microbats are frequent callers to hotlines. Ericka Tudhope, a rehabilitation specialist from Microbats of Melbourne, said bats living in roofs is common. She said they make great housemates by keeping bug numbers down and rarely cause damage. "They don't chew cables or wires," Tudhope noted.
Seeking shelter and coexistence
In New South Wales, the Wires rescue service said animals often seek shelter during cold or extreme weather. Last year, a koala scampered down a hallway and was later found sitting calmly on a bed.
Bethany Kiss contrasted the Australian situation with the United Kingdom, where buildings are sometimes intentionally designed for habitat. Examples include requirements for "swift nesting bricks" in new builds. "We're in a biodiversity crisis and a housing crisis," Kiss said.
She argued for designing buildings better for both people and wildlife. Opportunities include wildlife-friendly lighting, noise reduction measures, and habitat features like swallow shelves or possum boxes. Kiss would like to see ecologists embedded in the design process alongside engineers.
Co-author Professor Sarah Bekessy said people benefit from everyday interactions with wildlife. Such encounters can improve mental wellbeing, strengthen connection with nature, and make cities healthier, more resilient places to live.
Wildlife Victoria advocates for peaceful coexistence where possible. The organization encourages anyone concerned about an animal in their home to contact their local wildlife rescue service.
