With the onset of warmer weather, Friends of the Koala are urging members of the public to contain dogs at night and keep a lookout for koalas on their properties and when driving, particularly during dawn and dusk.

Koalas are at their most mobile in spring, actively searching for mates and new habitat. However, as their habitat becomes smaller and more fragmented, koalas are forced to travel long distances on foot through urbanised areas, where they are at risk of being struck by a vehicle or attacked by a dog.

“Breeding season is our busiest time of year. Sadly, over the past 10 days we have tended to 18 koalas most of which were hit by a car or attacked by a dog from across the Northern Rivers region. Although many sustained fatal injuries, seven are still alive and receiving care in hospital” said President, Susannah Keogh.

“While admissions to our hospital and calls to our Rescue Hotline usually spike between July and December, recent numbers of rescues are unprecedented,” said Ms Keogh. “We understand accidents happen, but we are urging members of the public to call our Rescue Hotline on (02) 6622 1233 immediately so injured koalas have the best chance of survival”.

Members of the public can help koalas by:

• Containing dogs at night when koalas are most active.
• Providing safe refuges for koalas in backyards such as a tree or climbing pole.
• Observing koala road signs and driving slowly in known koala areas.
• Reporting sick injured or distressed koalas to the Friends of the Koala 24hr Rescue Hotline on (02) 6622 1233.

“We are incredibly lucky to live in an area with a significant koala population, but it is up to all of us to play a part in their protection.”