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Flying foxes are struggling
Wildlife rescue plea
By Sonia Clark
Maleny-based wildlife rescue volunteer Sammy Ringer is urging people to call through all wildlife emergencies directly to the WILVOS (Wildlife Volunteer Association Inc) 24-hour hotline instead of reaching out on social media.
Sammy said that local wildlife volunteers were being absolutely hammered at the moment and it was utterly heartbreaking when messages about injured animals sent via platforms such as Facebook might not be seen in time.
“We rescuers are mostly on the road doing our work and so are often not able to check Facebook. We also attend rescues over a wide area, some of which have no or very limited reception.
“The WILVOS phone line is a 24-hour service that can mobilise a rescue team member as quickly as possible. Please use this number to report any injured animal,” Sammy said.
A wildlife crisis is currently being reported with native and wild animals desperately seeking water and food. This is particularly affecting the local grey-headed flying fox population with desperate animals flying low seeking food and water.
Sadly, this search is leading many of these creatures to get caught in fencing or barbed wire.
Sammy said she was currently attending to 4-5 bat rescues a day. If community members find an injured bat on their property or caught in wire fencing it is vitally important that they do not try to touch or free the animal themselves.
“If you find an injured bat caught up in fencing please don’t try to free it. Throw a towel around it and call the WILVOS immediately,” Sammy said.
For those wishing to provide some relief for wild animals, Sammy suggests leaving out a flat bowl of water. She also suggests those wanting to help or to join the WILVOS go to www.wilvos.org.au.
A local fundraiser to support the work of the WILVOS will be held at Tesch Park, Maleny on Saturday, October 5 at 11am.
