Kyle and Marlene (surname withheld) were walking opposite McDonalds in Arthur Street about 6pm Monday when they spotted the wombat at the entrance of a culvert.

“It was a surprise - it’s not something you would expect to see in the middle of town,” Kyle said.

“He was a decent size too.”

Not wanting to leave the animal where it was the couple walked to McDonalds and asked the manager to call the Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES), however with the incorrect number listed in the telephone book this proved to be unsuccessful.

“We then thought we would try the ranger, he said he would come down but he didn’t turn up which was disappointing,” Marlene said.

“We went back over to McDonalds and tried to call the vet but that number rang out.”

Knowing that if something wasn’t done the animal could run onto the road and cause an accident, Marlene went to the police station to seek help.

“They were busy. Then we went back a second time and they said they would come and have a look but just as they were coming they got a call out and had to go.

“We didn’t want to leave it because we were worried for its safety, but something had to be done so we walked home and rang the WIRES number at Bathurst.

“They rang back with the number for the local representative who we called. By that time it had been about two hours since we first saw the wombat.”

Once alerted to the situation a WIRES volunteer went to the scene to find the animal wedged about one metre into the culvert. Unable to coax the creature out, one of the cement slabs on top of the culvert was removed to make a shift trap so it could be captured.

Once caught the wombat was taken to the volunteer’s home before being taken to Taronga Western Plains Zoo for a health check.

“If it wasn’t for WIRES the wombat would probably still be there or dead,” Kyle said.

If you find a wild animal you think may be in danger, WIRES can be contacted on 1300 556 686.