Storms and wildlife

In November, over 200 flying foxes were admitted to our RSPCA Wildlife Hospital for veterinary assessment and treatment following a severe storm in Esk.

Large hail had a devastating impact on the colony of adult black, little red and grey-headed flying foxes, with many suffering from irreparable fractures and injuries. For several days after the severe storm, hundreds of injured flying foxes were found in backyards across the community, struggling to fly from their injuries, or sadly already deceased.

Our RSPCA rescue and wildlife teams, alongside our amazing wildlife carers and rescue groups, worked around the clock to treat and care for our precious nocturnal pollinators.

• If you come across an injured flying fox, contact the RSPCA’s hotline 1300 ANIMAL (264 625) or Bat Conservation & Rescue QLD for assistance.
• Never attempt to handle a bat yourself as they can carry Australian Bat Lyssavirus, which if transmitted to humans, is deadly. Expert wildlife rescuers can assist in getting injured and sick flying foxes veterinary treatment as they are vaccinated and trained to appropriately handle our nocturnal pollinators.
• Handling and disposing of deceased flying foxes also requires the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

For more information on Lyssavirus, visit the Queensland Government website.

Did you know? Flying foxes are also prone to suffer from heat stress. Our summer storms and heatwaves can have severe impacts on our bat colonies, so if you see flying foxes on the ground, hanging low to the ground, wobbly or confused... call for help. If heat-stressed bats are on the ground, you can gently spray them with water or cover them in a cool wet towel to help lower their body temperature while you wait for assistance.

Of the flying foxes that were orphaned from the severe storm in Esk, the pups are now being hand-reared by wildlife carers before they can be released back into the wild. This process can take several months with assisted feeding, along with pain relief.

An artificial teat is used to mimic how the flying fox pups would feed from their mothers in the wild, and the pups are also wrapped in small towels or blankets to keep them warm and supported.

When sick flying foxes come into our care, some are too weak to wrap their wings around their little bodies, which is their natural hanging position. Wrapping them in a blanket keeps them in a more natural and comfortable position.

1. Call for assistance if you find sick or injured animals – 1300 ANIMAL (264 625) or your nearest wildlife carer.
2. Where safe to do so, you can transport the animal to your nearest vet. Read about keeping a wildlife kit in your car.
3. Animals will likely be in shock and distress following severe weather events, don’t put yourself in harm’s way to rescue them if it is not safe to do so.
4. Watch the roads! After natural disasters, displaced animals may turn up in odd places seeking refuge. Here are more tips for driving safely with wildlife around.
5. Keep your pets inside or secure at dawn and dusk when a lot of native animals are out and about.
6. Learn about pouch checking deceased wildlife.