Since the beginning of spring, flying-foxes are coming into strife big time throughout the region.
FAWNA volunteers have been called to rescue adults, juveniles and pups at Hannam Vale, Lorne, Wauchope, Beechwood, Byabarra, Port Macquarie, Taree, Wingham, Mondrook, Forster, South West Rocks and Kempsey. Animals have been caught in fruit tree netting, on barbed wire fences, hit by cars, run into windows and been electrocuted.
October and November are the main birthing months for the vulnerable Grey-headed flying-fox and females carry their young on their body when they fly out on their nightly feeding trip. Sometimes the adult might land on power lines for a “rest” and stretch out a wing, causing her to be electrocuted. She may have a baby aboard that is unharmed, so the wildlife rescue group asks members of the public not to assume that nothing can be done.
Always report any flying-fox you see anywhere alone during the day and, if you have bottle brushes flowering, or fruit trees near fences or covered in netting, please check the area carefully each morning. Call FAWNA on 6581 4141 for a trained and vaccinated volunteer to deal with any flying-fox in trouble. Never attempt to extricate a flying-fox from netting or barbed wire, as you may cause harm to yourself or more harm to the animal.
For more information on recommended types of fruit tree netting, visit www.wildlifefriendlyfencing.com and look for the link to the netting page. Get up-to-date information and see instructional videos showing how to net your trees in a wildlife friendly way.
FAWNA Secretary, Meredith Ryan, asks that people do not ring WIRES because WIRES does not operate in the FAWNA area, despite advertising in local media, and the 1300 phone number is not manned 24/7, so there could be delays in getting help to the animal.
Always ring FAWNA on 6581 4141 which operates 24/7, and is manned by volunteers.
