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Flying Foxes find shelter from suburbs

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Warra Animal Shelter is caring for injured Flying Foxes as the animals have been hurt foraging for food too close to the ground around the suburbs of Bracken Ridge.

The animals are vital to the environment as they excrete seeds, repopulating local forests with native tree species.

Councillor for Bracken Ridge Ward, Amanda Cooper, said the Brisbane City Council recognises the threat to the ecosystem and trying to help where possible.

“The flying foxes are often seen as somewhat of a nuisance, the reality is they are essential to Brisbane’s ecosystem.
 “The animals are being caught in barb-wire fences, or attacked by dogs as they go for food too close to the ground.

 “In some cases mothers are killed by powerlines while their babies are left alive to fend for themselves.

 “It is imperative we do something, they are just too important to our environment,” Cr Cooper said.

 Cr Cooper said the flying foxes are sheltered only until spring, when the Animal Shelter releases them when food sources have regrown in trees.

 “The shelter the Flying Foxes are in was not currently utilised, so we are reusing the land to help the creatures survive while not costing tax payers anything extra.

 “Once we release them, they can be safe enough to feed themselves without getting hurt or killed, while aiding our valuable forests,” Cr Cooper said.

Cr Cooper said to avoid handling the creatures yourself if found in distress, instead, call Bat Care Brisbane 3321 1229.

For more information, please contact Council on 3403 8888 or visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

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