Koalas and dogs a proactive approach
Dog and koala encounters can place dogs at risk of wounds that may require immediate vet care. In contrast, these same encounters often result in koala fatality.
Reducing the potential for conflict and harm between dogs and koalas means a safer co-existence for both species. This page provides more information about how dog owners can play their part in protecting koalas.
koalas and dogs a proactive approach
Dog and koala encounters can place dogs at risk of wounds that may require immediate vet care. In contrast, these same encounters often result in koala fatality.
Reducing the potential for conflict and harm between dogs and koalas means a safer co-existence for both species. This page provides more information about how dog owners can play their part in protecting koalas.
The risks
Koala Vet Jackie Reid tells us about the risks and consequences of dogs and koala interactions. Hear about Reggie the Koala’s story. In the Northern Rivers, over 230 koalas have been brought into care as result of dog interactions and attacks over the last decade.
co-existence
The reasons koalas are endangered are many but human activity remains the primary threat to koalas specifically land clearing. We are now living in koala habitat, we share the same backyards and koalas are going to find their way onto our properties.
what can you do
Manage your dog in koala areas
- Keep your dog on a lead when walking.
- Download the “leave it app” and train your dog in wildlife avoidance techniques Leave It - Dog behaviour training | Free online dog training.
- Check trees near your property before allowing your dog to roam.
- Notify your neighbours and other dog walkers of koala sightings in your area.
- Be aware that koalas spend more time moving between trees on the ground during mating season (generally June to December).
Keep your backyard safe for koalas
- Install fencing which appropriately secures your dog.
- Check for koalas before leaving dogs unattended in your yard.
- If a koala enters your yard, put your dog inside your house or garage until the koala has left.
- Secure your dog at night, when koalas might enter your yard.
- Consider means of escape for koalas or other wildlife which might become trapped. This could be a pole or branch leaning against the fence.
Even the most gentle, playful and trained dogs can still attack koalas, however 'leave it' obedience training can help to keep our koalas safe. Leave It - Dog behaviour training | Free online dog training
sick or Injured koalas
Sick or injured koalas are often slow to respond, if at all, to humans and can be touched without responding. They are generally found low to the ground or on the ground except when moving between trees, and can stay in the same tree without moving for more than a few days. Their gait is abnormal or uneven, and they can be disorientated, walking in circles.
A koala sitting on the ground, unresponsive to what is around it, is a very sick koala and needs attention IMMEDIATELY.
Call our 24/7 Koala Rescue Hotline (02) 6622 1233 if you live in the Northern Rivers of NSW or your local wildlife organisation if outside this area – search online for your local wildlife organisation or check the IFAW Wildlife App which connects you with the closest licensed wildlife rescue group at the touch of a button.
dog bites
Some injuries, such as bleeding from any part of their body or broken bones are obvious. However, some injuries, such as dog bites, are often not visible, but if there are dogs in the vicinity there’s always a chance that the dog (no matter how small) has bitten a koala. In these cases, contact you local koala rescue group immediately.
koala activity
Koalas are widely distributed across the six council areas of far north coast NSW. Whilst they are tree-dwelling animals they do come down to the ground to move between trees. An urban koala may travel 20kms in a week between trees and buildings, across backyards and roads in search of food, a mate or territory. Male koalas are particularly vulnerable because when they were mating or dispersing they spend more time on the ground.
did you know?
On average, over 70% of koalas die after being attacked by dogs in the Northern Rivers. At least 328 koalas have suffered from dog attacks in the region since 2009 and only 64 were released according to Friends of the Koala. Dog attacks on koalas occur mostly at night, in backyards, occur at higher levels during spring and summer and nearly always result in death.
if an incident happens
Sometimes despite prevention attempts, an encounter, bite or worse can happen. Koalas might seem unharmed, dazed or even race up a tree, but past cases show they are likely to need care. Secure your dog inside and please immediately call for help or advice Friends of the 24/7 Koala Rescue Hotline (02) 6622 1233.
Supporters
Proudly delivered by the Northern Rivers Koala Partnership (made up of six councils and Friends of the Koala), and supported by the NSW Government, this initiative aims to unite communities in safeguarding koalas and their habitats.
