October heralds the arrival of baby flying-fox and the public is being cautioned not to handle the young or their mothers in our area and the many risks to this critically vulnerable species.
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Despite being incredibly cute, Wildlife Rescue South Coast (WRSC) cautions members of the public to not handle the baby flying-foxes but to call WRSC if they see any flying-fox in distress.
"Any flying-fox or microbat visible during the day outside of its colony is most likely in trouble and requires assistance," said WRSC's bat co-ordinator, Janine Davies.
There are do's and don'ts about handling flying-foxes now that birthing season is here and the numbers are increasing as those coming in search of blossom have joined the local camps while their young are born.
A small percentage, less than one per cent of flying-foxes and insectivorous bats can carry the Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABL) and anyone handling them needs to be vaccinated.
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The ABL is transmitted through saliva, and not faeces or urine as sometimes reported.
Ms Davies said "there is no risk if you do not touch any flying-fox or microbat."
To request a wildlife rescue call the rescue hotline - from south of Wollongong to Batemans Bay 0418 427214 or from Mogo to the Victorian border 0417 238921.
"Simply call WRSC for assistance and a trained and vaccinated carer will be dispatched".
Love them or hate them, our flying-foxes are a keystone species, listed as vulnerable to extinction, are our night-time pollinators and are crucial to the health of our native forests and native fruit trees.
WRSC urges everyone in the community to contact the 24-hour rescue line, 0417 238921 if they are aware of any bat alone during the day, or if one is sighted on powerlines.
Flying-foxes can be entangled in netting loosely placed over fruit crops, and are found caught by the wing membrane in barbed wire fences.
Please choose only wildlife friendly netting which has an aperture of five millimetres or less.
If you can poke your finger through, it is not suitable.
WRSC has trained and vaccinated flying-fox rescuers from south of Wollongong to the Southern Highlands and south to the Victorian border.
"WRSC's rescue line is the direct point of contact for any flying-fox perceived to be in trouble," Ms Davies said.
"Please do not report via social media as this platform is not monitored 24/7."
Flying-fox babies, or pups as they are called, are attached to the mother's nipple which is located up in the armpit area under her wings and are often not visible.
"A dead adult female flying-fox electrocuted on the powerlines may have an unharmed baby and we must get to them quickly," Ms Davies said.
"Sometimes a shrill whistle up at the bat will elicit a chirruping response from the little one."
Ms Davies said if the rescue phone line is busy, please wait a few minutes and try again "as it is now the busiest time of year and resources are stretched."
Endeavour Energy takes responsibility for any animals harmed on their equipment and is tremendous in helping to get flying-foxes off powerlines.
WRSC's vaccinated carers take any live wildlife into care and put them through the group's targeted release program.
WRSC's rescuers are also trained to successfully remove the animals off barbed wire without causing more harm to delicate wing membranes.
If you find an entangled animal, cover the animal with a towel or cloth remembering they can have a long reach and you do not want to get bitten or scratched.
A point to remember is that if you are bitten or scratched, then the animal will need to be euthanised to enable it to be tested for ABLV.
"If you find an animal on the ground, and it is safe to do, place a washing basket or cardboard box over it and please remember that the animal/s will be stressed and they might perceive anyone trying to help them as a threat and react accordingly," Ms Davies said.
"If anyone is bitten or scratched by a flying-fox or microbat, they should immediately wash the area with soap and running water for five minutes then seek immediate medical attention to ascertain whether they need to undergo a course of vaccinations."
How can you help?
Volunteers divide their time between helping to rescue, rehabilitate and release native wildlife and other essential support roles.
These other roles are in fields including fundraising, public education, publicity, joining the telephone roster and transportation of animals.
These support roles are important to the successful functioning of the group and can be very rewarding to the volunteer.
Further details can be found on its website www.wildlife-rescue.org.au
To request a wildlife rescue call the rescue hotline - from south of Wollongong to Batemans Bay 0418 427214 or from Mogo to the Victorian border 0417 238921.
