Young koalas are on the move, leaving the safety of their mothers to establish their own territory – and the community has an important role to play in keeping these furry youngsters safe.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the annual movement of young koalas from June to December, known as dispersal season, was an important milestone for the local koala population.
“Dispersal season generally overlaps with breeding season and young koalas typically head out on their own at about 18 months old, often when their mum’s next joey leaves the pouch,” Cr Talty said.
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“This is a critical stage in their development as each young koala that successfully settles helps to build a stronger, more resilient population.
“Dispersing koalas are often small and can be mistaken for lost joeys, but if they are about the size of a football or larger they are usually fine on their own.”
Cr Talty encouraged everyone in the community to keep an eye out for young koalas as they moved through the urban environment – crossing roads, travelling through yards or resting in unfamiliar locations.
“Dispersing koalas can sometimes appear in surprising places, using a variety of tree species as well as fences or power poles if they feel threatened or unsafe,” Cr Talty said.
“It is also normal for koalas to rest low in trees or briefly on the ground, but if you are concerned a koala may be sick or injured please call the Redlands 24-hour Wildlife Rescue Service on 3833 4031.
“The community can help keep koalas safe during this active period by slowing down on roads, particularly between dusk and dawn.
“Driving wildlife safe means being alert, scanning the road ahead and the verges and watching for koalas, echidnas and possums, which may be easier to miss than wallabies.
“For the sake of all of our local fauna it is also important to keep pets secured and safely contained at night, and to ensure yards are koala-friendly with fence and pool escape routes.”
The community is encouraged to report koala sightings via the online Redlands Coast Koala Watch platform.
Information on Council initiatives to protect koalas is available on Council’s website.
