Flying foxes are on the move again.
Eurobodalla Shire Council staff are reporting sightings around the Batemans Bay Water Gardens and a slight increase in numbers at the Catalina golf course, where a core ‘camp’ have remained all year.
The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage are reporting sightings all around the state, including Nowra, the mid and north coasts, Sydney, even inland around Dubbo, Lismore and Armidale.
“We don’t know why some flying foxes are back at this time of the year,” said Council’s Director of Planning and Sustainability Lindsay Usher.
“The migratory pattern is unusual and we’re seeing once again that wildlife and nature are unpredictable.”
“We’re monitoring the situation very carefully and ask the community to keep an eye out too. People can help by reporting flying fox sightings on our website or call Council on 02 4474 1000.
“Flying foxes can travel and forage over large distances at night but we’re particularly interested in where they are roosting during the day,” he said.
“We continue to liaise with Office of Environment and Heritage and we’re watching the numbers and the health of the flying foxes around Batemans Bay closely.
“Some of the flying foxes have young with them, and the community will remember that Australian and NSW Government legislation prevents any kind of disturbance of the animals when they are heavily pregnant or with young.
“We have noticed a few dead juveniles around the Bay, which ecologists say is happening right along the east coast as a result of food shortages.
“We can’t predict the numbers or when more might come, but the community can be assured that Council is as prepared as it can be to manage the situation within the parameters of our Australian and NSW Government approvals.”
Council cleared significant amounts of vegetation in the Water Gardens and Catalina during the dispersal activities in June with approval from the NSW Government to provide buffers to residents and businesses. Media Release
