Koalas on the move; vulnerable to dog attacks

When koalas are on the move they are vulnerable to attack by dogs. Friends of the Koala say that this year koalas appear to be extraordinarily active.

“Canopies are sparse and leaf is very dry. Perhaps they are seeking food as well as satisfying the urges brought on by spring,” the Lismore-based group said.

“Dogs inflict serious and often fatal injuries on koalas. In cases where the koala appears to have escaped unscathed, householders may erroneously assume the encounter has been nothing more than a narrow escape.”

Dogs of all sizes are capable of killing koalas. The behaviour of koalas, especially during these months of mating activity and dispersal, when some animals end up in potentially dangerous situations, can provoke attack. Dealing successfully with the encounter is paramount; not apportioning blame.

“Speedy response is essential to a witnessed or even suspected dog attack,” said Friends of the Koala Care Co-ordinator, Barbara Dobner.

“Although dog attack can mean the death of a koala, if veterinary attention is received quickly, the chances for recovery increase dramatically.”
 
“Koalas with even a small bite from a dog will die a long and painful death if left untreated.

“To see a koala bound up the trunk of a tree, away from an excited dog, is convincing evidence that danger has been averted.

“In fact, the koala’s skin may well have been punctured. Locating small wounds in a koala‘s dense coat is quite difficult and requires professional expertise.”

Since July 13 dog attacks (seven suspected only) have been reported to Friends of the Koala from across the region.

The koalas which were the subjects of the confirmed attacks have all died. Most of them showed little sign of external damage, however necropsy examination revealed massive internal injuries.

“If there is any suspicion at all that a dog has interfered with a koala, we urge people to contact Friends of the Koala immediately, removing and containing the dog away from the scene until assistance arrives and the koala is retrieved,” said President, Lorraine Vass.

Related posts:

1. Country Energy a Friend of the Koalas, too
2. Redevelopment plans target better facilities for region’s sick koalas
3. Lismore Council grants 21-year lease to Friends of the Koala
4. Friends of the Koala to conduct a course of Basic Training
5. Koala radio-tracking project is a first

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Related posts:

1. Country Energy a Friend of the Koalas, too
2. Redevelopment plans target better facilities for region’s sick koalas
3. Lismore Council grants 21-year lease to Friends of the Koala
4. Friends of the Koala to conduct a course of Basic Training
5. Koala radio-tracking project is a first