Heat no problem for local bats

THE Southern Downs appears to have escaped the many flying fox deaths that have plagued areas east of the range since last week’s heatwave conditions.
The RSPCA estimates up to 100,000 bats may have died in 40-degree-plus temperatures.
Warwick Wildlife Care & Rescue said that because local black bats roost near rivers and creeks they have ready access to water.
“The colonies that were subject to those massive losses were east of the range and were a result of dehydration,” spokesperson Lyn Prowse-Bishop said.
She said the animal rescue service was concerned residents might think they would have flying foxes falling out of the trees.
She repeated the message that people should not try to rescue distressed and injured bats themselves.
She said even though fewer than one in 1000 flying foxes carry the potentially-fatal Australian Bat Lyssavirus, the group cautions residents not to be complacent.
Vaccinated bat carer Cathi Kelly said the group strongly discourages members of the public from attempting to remove trapped animals from fruit netting – or barbed wire – themselves.
“It’s human nature to want to do something immediately when an animal is clearly in distress, but we are trained and vaccinated rescuers,” Ms Kelly said.
Those finding a flying fox stuck in netting or on a fence should try to cover it with a cloth or towel to prevent further distress to the animal and call the rescue hotline: 0447 108 619.