Our flying foxes are in trouble.

If you’ve seen one recently in the daytime in a tree, or found one dead on the ground, it could be because they are dehydrated and starving.

Northern Rivers Wildlife Information and Rescue Emergency Service (WIRES) bat coordinator Lib Ruytenberg said the bats are being affected by unusually dry conditions which have affected flowering and fruiting of their usual feed trees.

“Large areas of the North Coast of NSW as well as South East Queensland are experiencing what appears to be a severe flying-fox starvation and dehydration event,” Lib said.

“There are many reports of bats being found alone in trees in the daytime not having the energy to return to roost in their colony.

“Northern Rivers WIRES is receiving more than five times their normal number of flying-fox calls for this time of the year.  

“We, like all wildlife groups in the area, are stretched to the limit.

“October to December are the birthing months,” Lib said. 

“This is when females give birth to a single pup which they carry across their chests as it suckles a teat in the mother’s wing pit. 

“This starvation event could cause more females to get into difficulty birthing and more pups to be separated from their mothers. 

“Please call WIRES if you find a flying-fox pup. 

Lib said flying-foxes are very intelligent creatures and play an important role in Australian environments.

“They are natural pollinators and seed dispersers and are crucial for the survival and regeneration of our native forests,” she said.

“Sadly, this starvation event appears to be yet another indication of the catastrophic affect of a changing climate on our ecosystems. 

"Please do what you can to plant native trees and plants so that in the future our wildlife will have food available to them. 

With a limited number of volunteer vaccinated bat rescuers, WIRES is asking the public to be understanding about the bats and have some advice if anyone should see a flying-fox alone.

“Please do not attempt to handle the flying-fox,” Lib said. “There is no risk to you if you do not handle the bat. 

“Observe the flying-fox and check if it is actually still alive. Many bats are hanging dead in trees - some are dead on the ground. If it is dead, simply scoop it up in a towel or newspaper and dispose of it.

“If it is alive, do not disturb the flying-fox or attempt to shoo it away. This will just stress it further and make it weaker. It needs to rest and regain strength so it can return to the colony. 

“Keep people and pets such as dogs and cats away so they don’t stress the already compromised animal.

“If the bat looks sick or injured, or is low down in a particularly public space, phone WIRES on 66281898. They will help assess the situation and determine whether it needs to be brought into care. 

“If the bat appears uninjured and is moving around wait until the following day and see if the animal flies off overnight. 

“If the bat is still there the following day, phone WIRES on 66281898 for advice. 

“If you do want to assist further you can try putting some fruit such as apple or pear in nearby trees, making sure not to go close to the bat. This may in some instances give it the extra nutrition and moisture it needs to survive. 

"If you find a live bat on a barbed wire fence or entangled in netting, call WIRES immediately and a rescuer will attend." 

If you are keen to make a difference for the wildlife in our area, consider joining WIRES and start learning to be a wildlife rescuer. 

For more information about how you can join and contribute call 66281898.

WIRES relies heavily on the generosity of caring people for support. All donations $2 and over are tax deductible.

Visit http://wiresnr.org/Helping.html to find out how you can help.