Flying-foxes continue to struggle

It’s been a difficult year for flying foxes and things don’t look to be improving anytime soon.  

The grey-headed flying-fox is a protected, threatened species that has not only experienced a starvation event earlier this year, but is also currently battling extreme weather.  

Mayor Mick Curran said that in an attempt to stay cool, flying foxes are moving their roosts to cooler areas, often near water.  

“We are now aware of two new roost sites along the Mary river near Kidd Bridge and Commissioners Gully,” said Mayor Curran.  

“We expect this will be temporary until the weather breaks, but in the meantime, we need to help these little guys and keep them safe.”  

Council said that it’s important that the roosts are not disturbed.  

“If a roost is disturbed the colony might split, and this could mean that instead of having two or three temporary colonies we will have many,” said Mayor Curran.  

Council has installed signs at locations where temporary flying-fox roosts have been identified and is asking for the community’s support to help keep them undisturbed and safe.  

Council is reminding the community that if they encounter a sick, injured or orphaned flying-fox, to not touch it. Instead, contact a local wildlife care organisation or the RSPCA Qld 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) so they can arrange for a fully-vaccinated wildlife rescuer to come and help.