A mass wildlife rescue is again underway at the Noosa Golf Club after dozens of flying foxes became trapped in netting at its driving range for the fourth time this month.
Rescuers say more than 20 little red flying foxes were caught in netting at the club’s driving range overnight.
More than 40 were entangled yesterday as volunteers, Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital staff and a ranger worked to free the colony.
Wildlife carer Katrina Odgers said volunteers worked long into the night to free the animals.
“We did three trips to the zoo yesterday with bats and I think they got six into carers last night,” she said.
“They were severely dehydrated to the point where they couldn’t blink and they managed to get their necks through the holes and were almost choking.”
Dozens of flying foxes were transported to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for treatment. (Supplied: Katrina Odgers)
Ms Odgers said emergency treatment was administered on site.
“We actually had to give them all eye drops so the poor things could blink again,” she said.
“There were tears yesterday, especially when I sent out the call saying we need another cherry picker.
“We were all there watching these beautiful little sky puppies and there was nothing we could do. It was just so disheartening.”
According to the Australian Museum little red flying foxes play a crucial role in pollinating native trees in Australia.
The species is vulnerable to a loss of feeding areas due to forestry operations and land clearing.
Volunteers worked into the evening to free the remaining flying foxes from the netting. (Supplied: Katrina Odgers)
Ms Odgers said it was the fourth entanglement at the Noosa golf course this month.
“The nets are not bat safe in any way, they’re probably inch by inch holes, and any nets that you can put your finger through will cause entanglement,” Ms Odgers said.
“The netting is not easy to cut.”
Volunteers say the netting is not bat safe and are calling for it to be removed. (Supplied: Katrina Odgers)
Terrie Ridgway from Bat Rescue Incorporated said volunteers were on the scene.
“It’s difficult primarily because we could only rescue one animal at a time. We only had the one cherry picker that could get up there,” Ms Ridgway said.
“A lot of them died before the day was over and the last 15 were being transported to the Australia Zoo after dark.”
Over 20 flying foxes were found entangled early this morning following yesterday’s rescue efforts. (Supplied: Katrina Odgers)
Ms Ridgeway has called for the nets to come down.
“It’s a serious animal welfare issue, it’s really quite dreadful,” she said.
“These nets are black, and black can’t be seen at night by anything.”
Ongoing treatment
An Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital spokesperson said 49 flying foxes had been admitted for lifesaving treatment since Tuesday.
“Two of the individuals that were admitted sadly didn’t make it due to the severity of their injuries,” the spokesperson said.
“The surviving patients are recovering with lifesaving treatment and care, and will soon go to licensed wildlife carers to continue their rehabilitation.
“The rescue operation remains ongoing, with extremely hot weather conditions posing additional challenges for the affected animals.”
The spokesperson said the species was likely feeding on flowering bloodwood trees in the area.
“We recommend that the netting be removed or fitted with highly visible reflectors so that it can be clearly seen and avoided during flight.”
The ABC has contacted the Noosa Golf Club for comment.
The club said on social media that it had closed the driving range until further notice.
