Redland City Council is urging the community to be on the lookout for young koalas moving across the city as the annual koala dispersal season begins this month.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said koalas were known to travel long distances during this period and would sometimes appear in unexpected places such as car parks and CBD areas.
“We also know they tend to travel across roads, so it’s absolutely vital that all motorists keep an eye out for koalas, particularly at night and when travelling through signed koala zones,” the Mayor said.
“Council is also calling on all residents to ensure their yards are koala safe by setting up fence and pool escapes, and ensuring dogs and cats are either confined inside a property or restrained at night.
“Attacks from dogs and vehicle strikes are some of the biggest killers of koalas, and given their vulnerability during dispersal season, we all need to play our part in keeping the local population safe.”
Young koalas are normally aged just 18 months and weigh as little as 3-5 kilograms when they venture out on their own, away from the safety of their mothers, in search of new habitat during dispersal season.
The Mayor said the koalas would not limit themselves to travelling through bushland when exploring new terrain.
“The young koalas are known to appear in urbanised areas such as car parks, backyards and even CBD locations during this period,” she said.
“Dispersal season usually occurs between June and July but can sometimes stretch into breeding season, which is between August and December.
“It’s important that you do not interfere with koalas during their journeys as this could cause them to become disorientated and put them in danger.
“If you notice a sick or injured koala, please call the Redlands 24-hour Wildlife Rescue Service on 3833 4031 and an officer will assist.”
Tips for protecting koalas during dispersal season:
- Slow down on the roads and be alert for koalas, particularly at night.
- Keep your distance and allow koalas to move freely, unless they are in danger.
- Create a koala safe backyard by providing pool and fence escapes and keeping dogs and cats properly restrained at night.
- Join the Redlands Coast Koala Watch and record your koala sightings to help improve the health and safety of local populations.
For more information about Redlands Coast koalas, including how to spot a sick or injured koala, visit Council’s koala webpage.
