It is thought that millions of Australian wildlife have perished in the bushfires, with many survivors losing their habitats.

While the drought has caused many animals to starve due to lack of food and water.

Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) has seen an unprecedented number of native animals coming into its volunteer's care as a result of these terrible natural disasters.

As well as looking after drought affected orphaned wildlife already in care, WIRES volunteers are continuing to enter bushfire zones to rescue injured and orphaned animals once the RFS and National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) declare these areas safe to access.

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

WIRES has the following practical advice on how residents living near the fires zones can help wildlife during and after a bushfire.

. Leave out bowls of water for animals and birds escaping fires - use shallow bowls with a few sticks or stones on one side to allow smaller animals to escape should they fall in.

. Please keep cats indoors and dogs under control so that wildlife can flee safely through backyards and properties.

. Keep a cardboard box and towel in the boot of your car in case you find an injured animal so you can safely contain it without putting yourself in any danger.

. If the animal has been burnt, do not attempt to feed it, just wrap it loosely, ideally in a towel or cotton fabric, place it in a ventilated box with a lid and keep it in a dark, quiet place and wait for a rescuer or for transport to the nearest vet.

. If you can safely take an injured animal to your nearest vet please do so, as it will require an urgent assessment. Please also call WIRES on 1300 094 737 so we can follow up with vet and take the animal into care for rehabilitation.

. Please do not approach injured snakes, flying-foxes, large macropods (e.g.adult roos), adult wombats, raptors (birds of prey) or monitors (goannas) as these species must be rescued by trained specialists - please call WIRES for rescue assistance on 1300 094 737.

People can also make a donation to support WIRES efforts.

To donate to the WIRES Emergency Fund please visit wires.org.au (all donations $2 and over are tax deductible.)