An unprecedented number of flying foxes are currently roosting on trees in Collinsville and these noisy little critters are certainly causing a stir as they return to town after feeding on the melaleucas.
What’s been compared to a ‘big vortex’, the flying fox storm whooshes through the streets, in what sounds like rain coming, but instead the little terrors are defecating everywhere.
In March this year there were 1,500 flying foxes spread out over 10 trees and the Whitsunday Regional Council had been monitoring them, conducting a two-week noise deterrent campaign to discourage them.
This, however, was not meant to be, for the southern migration of the Little Red Flying Foxes saw numbers rise to 8000 in July.
By early September this number had grown significantly to 22,000 spread between 25-30 trees in Pelican Park.
Scott Hardy, Coordinator Natural Resource Management and Climate with the Whitsunday Regional Council, said that “this year was a massive increase and totally unexpected” but wants to assure the community that the situation is temporary.
“They will be gone in the next four weeks,” he said.
“Once they move on, numbers will drop to between 200 and 900.”
In the meantime, Council will continue with measures to minimise the problem.
“We can help with tree trimming and will be prioritising where bats are living on private land or having the most impact,” Scott explained.
Council are also introducing the temporary trial of a 6m tall ‘wavy man’ to try and mitigate impacts of the roost on surrounding residents.
Out of the 30 trees impacted, 19 reach into backyards with an estimated 6,500 bats directly effecting households.
Scott advised locals to continue hosing down any problem areas including sides of houses and children’s play sets.
He did stress that bats are not dangerous or harmful to humans.
“Bats are a bit like us, not every human has the flu, they could carry it but only a very small percentage will have a virus,” he said.
“The bacteria in bat poo is the same as it would be in cats, dogs and any other animals.”
For further information on the issue, government websites offer a wealth of knowledge.
Image: Over 22,000 Flying Foxes are currently roosting in Collinsville
