Koala breeding season is happening now and these loved-up marsupials are out and about searching for mates.
Redland City Acting Mayor Julie Talty said that the season, which runs from now until the new year, was one of the busiest times of the year for koalas.
“While koalas are generally most active after dark, it’s not unusual to see them during daylight hours at this time of year, with many travelling between habitat areas and crossing roads and residential properties,” Cr Talty said.
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“They may be moving to new areas, searching for food, responding to weather conditions, or simply travelling between trees during the breeding season.
“As these movements increase, so do the risks they face in urban areas.”
Council is encouraging residents to take simple actions to help keep koalas safe from threats such as vehicle strikes, dog attacks, disease, and hazards around the home such as backyard swimming pools.
Residents can support local koalas by:
- Driving carefully, particularly between dusk and dawn, and watching for wildlife near roadsides
- Creating a koala-friendly backyard with trees, and installing wildlife escape devices on fences and swimming pools
- Keeping dogs secured at night and under effective control when outdoors
- Observing koalas from a distance and allowing them to move freely unless they are injured or in immediate danger
- Contacting Redlands 24-hour Wildlife Rescue Service on 3833 4031 if a koala appears sick, injured or distressed
- Recording koala sightings through Redlands Coast Koala Watch.
For more information about local koalas and Council initiatives to protect them, visit Council’s koala conservation webpage.
