The Family Pet - Many Koalas become the victims of dog attacks - once a Koala has been attacked by a dog, it is in most cases not likely to survive, often leaving orphaned cubs. This can happen even as a result of over-enthusiastic 'play' by the family dog.
Regardless of whether you live near bushland or not, we would ask the public to restrain their dogs at night, perhaps on a tether wire system, so that the dog can still move freely until morning.
This would reduce the number of attacks on Koalas enabling you and your family to enjoy being among the few people in Australia who can truly say they have Koalas for neighbours.
Swimming Pools - Whether there is water in the family pool or if it is empty, swimming pools are another potential danger to Koalas.
Koalas sometimes fall into pools and because of their sharp claws (which do not retract like a cat's) they cannot get a grip on the slippery sides or steps of the pool, and cannot get out. Although Koalas can swim, they naturally cannot keep going for very long and so will soon drown.
Another problem occurs when the pool is dry and the Koalas fall in and still cannot get out. The animal, one again, cannot remain there for long before if feels the effect of heat stress, lack of food and water, etc.
Imagine if the family had gone away on holidays!
We ask, therefore, that pool owners leave a thick rope attached to the pool fence and leave it hanging into the pool so that any animal which unfortunately finds itself in your pool can save itself by climbing out.
If you see a Koala hit by a car, even if the animal should manage to climb up a tree, contact Friends of the Koala (FOK) immediately. It could have severe injuries, eg. a broken jaw. This would cause starvation if left unattended, and if there should be an accompanying dub, it would also perish.
To mark what tree the Koalas has climbed, perhaps tie something around the tree, or pile rocks up at its base.
If the Koala is lying beside the road, bundle it up in either a blanket, towel or Hessian sack, and place it in the boot of your car.
CONTACT FRIENDS OF THE KOALA IMMEDIATELY. Don't try to give the animal food or water. Leave it quietly until help arrives.
IMPORTANT: We stress that adults only are to attempt to pick up a Koala, working from behind the animal. NEVER is a child to pick up a Koala no matter how safe it looks. Looks can be deceiving!
If you observe a Koala sitting in the same spot, low down in a tree, for more than one full day and night, the animal may be sick and need help.
With the public's assistance, we can make the Koala's life a lot safer, ensuring the survival of the species.
FOK would appreciate your help:
Lismore:-
Rescue & Information Hotline: 6622 1233
Rick Vass, Rescue Co-ordinator: 6629 8388
Libby Dempsey, Care Co-ordinator: 6622 3550
