Flying Foxes

Flying Foxes are an important native species protected by NSW State legislation and for the Grey-headed Flying Fox both State and Federal legislation. Flying Foxes are increasingly moving closer to towns and people in search of food and shelter because of the loss of their natural habitat and in response to local food availability through changed weather patterns.

Co-existing with flying foxes in an urban environment can be challenging for communities. Concerns around noise, mess, smell and disease risk are often raised by the community.

Learning to co-exist with flying foxes

State and Federal government agencies are empowered and responsible for regulating and protecting wildlife and are best equipped to offer advice on public health aspects of co-existence in an urban community. The following links provide resources for living with flying foxes:

• Flying-Foxes of NSW Fact Sheet (NSW Office of Environment & Heritage)
• Hendra virus (NSW Department of Health)
• Rabies and Australian Bat Lyssavirus Infection(NSW Department of Health)
• Why are flying-foxes protected?
• Flying-Fox Camp Management Policy 2015 (NSW Office of Environment & Heritage)
• Living with Grey-headed Flying-foxes
• Flying-Fox Upper Hunter Community Information Brochure (PDF 466kb)
• Flying-Foxes - Little Aussie Battlers of Our Great Australian Bush (PDF 1.58mb)
  
• Flying-Fox Census(Aus Gov Department of the Environment and Energy)
• Hunter Councils Flying-Fox Management Engagement Program (Little Aussie Bat)
• Aberdeen and Scone Flying-Fox Camp Management Plan
• Murrurundi Flying-Fox Camp Management Strategy

What to do if flying foxes are near you

Flying Foxes play an important role in the Australian environment because they are natural plant pollinators and seed dispersers. As a protected species it is important that the animals are left alone, in addition, they are quietest when left undisturbed.

If you come across a flying fox do not handle it, the greatest risk of disease is if you are scratched or bitten. If it is wounded call a wildlife rescue service.

If you have further questions or concerns about flying foxes in your area, call the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage on 131 555.

Report flying fox sightings

Flying foxes may create new camps in different areas and it is important for Council to investigate possible new camps. If you see flying foxes roosting in new areas, please complete the information below.

If you see an injured or dead flying fox, please report it using the form below and ensure you do not touch any flying foxes, alive or dead.