Flying Foxes
Statement of Management Intent for flying foxes
The Statement of Management Intent for managing flying foxes will be in action thanks to comprehensive and community feedback.
From education to roosting locations and human health and wellbeing to park access were among the suggestions that soared.
Due to the complex nature of flying fox management, Council will also consider a range of factors to determine if the flying foxes in any specific situation is viable for interventions on Council-owned land and when special circumstances exist.
From the 13 considerations, they include the proximity, number and species of the roosts, whether it is breeding season or rearing young, level of risk to human health, the cost to Council from management actions to the likelihood of relocation to another site which causes further community concern.
View Isaac Regional Council’s Statement of Management Intent.
Do you know what to do during Flying Fox season?
Read this helpful information sheet It’s Flying Fox Season – do you know what to do? (PDF, 3.94MB)
Flying foxes are native Australian mammals, with the black flying fox (Pteropus alecto), the grey-headed flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) and the little red flying fox (Pteropus scapulatus) found in the Isaac region.
Black and Spectacled flying foxes establish permanent roosts that range from a few individuals to hundreds of thousands. These colonies are often away from urban areas and go largely unnoticed.
Little Red flying foxes naturally migrate through our region from August to January and are known to establish temporary camps in residential areas and create can disturbance to the community.
It’s important we know what to do as a community and as individuals to help manage flying fox migrations safely.
About the flying fox
Flying foxes are intelligent, social animals that live in large colonies comprised of individuals and family groups.
They are nocturnal animals, sleeping during the day and flying out to feed at dusk.
While there are no permanent roosts in towns in the Isaac region, flying foxes will roam the regions surrounding their roosts in search of their preferred foods, particularly fruits and blossoms.
Like all native Australian animals, flying foxes are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
Harming or killing flying foxes without a Damage Mitigation Permit (DMP) can result in fines and a possible prison sentence under Queensland legislation.
Why are flying foxes noisy?
Flying foxes are very social animals, using various calls as a form of communication. Flying foxes tend to make the most noise at dawn and dusk, when flying out to feed at night or returning to camp trees to sleep during the day.
Flying fox noise increases dramatically when animals are disturbed. During the day, flying foxes are generally quiet as they are nocturnal animals.
What about flying fox scent?
Flying foxes are very social animals, using various calls as a form of communication.
Flying foxes tend to make the most noise at dawn and dusk, when flying out to feed at night or returning to camp trees to sleep during the day.
Flying fox noise increases dramatically when animals are disturbed. During the day, flying foxes are generally quiet as they are nocturnal animals.
What should I do about flying fox droppings?
Whilst unpleasant, flying fox droppings, or guano, pose no serious health hazard to humans.
Guano is easily cleaned with water and soap and is actually less corrosive than bird droppings.
With regards to rainwater tanks, have a look at our rainwater tank fact sheet on the right.
What can residents do to deter flying foxes from backyards?
Isaac Regional Council advises residents that residents are not authorised to conduct removal or harassment activities. Simple, non-harmful deterrents may be of assistance, such as:
- Placing predator decoys (e.g. owls) on verandahs or in trees;
- Trimming food or habitat trees in your yard;
- Placing reflective or shiny deterrents (e.g. CDs or aluminium foil strips) in tree branches; or,
- When landscaping, plant fruit or habitat trees away from the home.
These actions are only able to be used in locations prior to flying fox camps establishing. If a camp has been established, residents are reminded that any activities that may result in the disturbance of a roosting flying fox colony or individual flying fox can result in prosecution under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
Controlled harassment actions, known as dispersals, are only to be conducted by authorised personnel. For further information regarding the dispersal process, contact the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection or Isaac Regional Council's Environment and Biodiversity department on 1300 ISAACS (1300 47 22 27).
The most important thing to remember is to avoid physical contact with flying foxes, as this poses health risks and must only be undertaken by a qualified and licensed professional.
What are the health hazards posed by flying foxes?
Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV)
ABLV is a virus that is similar to rabies that is carried by flying foxes. There are no obvious indicators that a flying fox is carrying the virus, therefore it is best to assume that any flying fox could be infected.
There is no known risk of contracting ABLV from flying foxes flying overhead, contact with flying fox urine or faeces or from partially eaten fruit. There is no significant risk of exposure from living, playing or walking near flying fox roosting areas. ABLV can only be contracted by being bitten or scratched by a carrier flying fox or contact with mucous membranes such as the eyes or nose. If any of these occur, pre- and post-exposure vaccinations are available from Queensland Health.
Hendra Virus
Hendra virus is an influenza-like virus that humans can contract through physical contact with fluids and mucous membranes of infected horses. There has been one instance of a dog contracting the virus from an infected flying fox however this is not known to be transmissible to humans.
As a precautionary measure, horse owners should not feed or water horses beneath trees where flying foxes camp during the day or feed during the evening. Food and water troughs should be covered, and horses should be kept away from flying fox camps and if possible, kept under shelter at night. If Hendra virus is suspected contact a veterinarian as soon as possible and avoid contact with the horse.
Avoiding contact with flying foxes and the use of deterrents in and around the home are the best strategies to further reduce the risk of contracting Hendra virus or ABLV.
Information flyers
Please browse the range of helpful and specific information flyers about flying foxes and managing them in our residential areas. Thes can be found on this page under Information Flyers.
What should I do if I have been bitten or scratched by a flying fox?
If you have been bitten or scratched by a flying fox, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Dial 000 (112 from mobile phones) and follow directions
Or Queensland Health 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
Removing dead flying foxes
As the landowner, you are able to remove the dead flying fox yourself if you follow these simple safety steps:
- Do not directly touch the flying fox
- Make sure the flying fox is dead (if the animal is alive, do not touch and contact 1300 ANIMAL to speak to a wildlife carer)
- Wear thick gloves and use a shovel or tongs to remove the flying fox and place it in a plastic bag
- You can dispose of the flying fox in the plastic bag in your general rubbish wheelie bin, or transfer it to your local landfill
For detailed information regarding flying foxes and human health, visit the Queensland Health website.
Contact Information
Sick Flying Foxes
Department of Environment and Heritage Protection/RSPCA – 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625)
Local Veterinarian
Injured Flying Foxes
Central Highlands Wildlife Carers 0475 288 301
Australian Wildlife Rescue Service (Mackay) 0408 184 551 or 0447 743 268
Domestic Animals
If you have concerns about your livestock or pets, speak to your local veterinarian for further advice.
If you have any queries, please contact Isaac Regional Council's Environmental and Biodiversity Team - 1300 ISAACS (1300 47 22 27).
State Government Websites
Queensland Health: Hendra and Lyssa virus
Department of Environment and Science: Flying Foxes
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries: Flying Foxes and Hendra Virus
