Wildlife warrior's storm find gives possum a second chance

Kiera Lemm was getting ready for school in Margaret River on Tuesday morning when her mum Rebecca mentioned there was a fallen tree at the end of their street.

Wild weather hit the South West on Monday night, bringing down scores of trees and causing damage to homes and businesses as well as disrupting traffic.

"Mum showed me a photo of the tree that had fallen down, so I went to have a look at it," Kiera said.

"When I got there, I looked mainly at the part over the path because that's where all the stuff had fallen out of the tree."

The budding veterinarian noticed an animal sheltering in the trunk, and instantly recognised it as a brushtail possum.

"I knew it was a brushtail because it had a big, bushy tail," she explained.

"At first I thought it was sleeping, but when I got a bit closer it popped it's head up.

"So I scooted back home and told mum about the possum."

The pair stopped to check on the animal on the way to school, before reporting it to wildlife officers and waiting until help arrived.

With local experts John McKinney and Hayley Bain on the scene, Kiera was able to continue to school.

"I took in some photos and showed everyone for News," she said, pleased to have a solid excuse to be running late for class.

"We heard that the possum will be okay, he will be looked after by carers for a couple of weeks."