Koala Health and Safety Issues
Sick or Injured Koalas
Sick or injured koalas may display the following:
- Sitting on the ground or low in a tree
- Staying in the same tree for more than three days
- Weakness when climbing or walking
- Skinny or emaciated appearance
- Bad fur condition such as fur loss, brown batches or scabbing
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis affects one or both eyes. Signs include weeping of the eyes, pus covered eyes, and pink swollen eyes.
Cystitis
Cystitis causes a wet, brown, and smelly bottom. This is also known as “wet tail” or “dirty bum”. In the photo you can see the dirty bottom of young Gympie local, Smiley, after a period of drought. She is back from hospital and healthy once more.
Bushfires and loss of habitat
As we have seen with the disastrous bushfires at the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020, koalas are in a very vulnerable position and may need to be placed on the endangered species list after such heavy losses.
Australia’s environment minister says up to 30% of koalas were killed in NSW mid-north coast fires alone and that doesn’t take into account all the other fires, including those in Qld.
Conjunctivitis
Cystitis
Bushfires
Koalas and Dogs
My dog wouldn't hurt anything
Your dog may never have seen a koala. Most dogs feel threatened by the sight of a koala in the yard and will naturally attack.
My dog would only play with it
Even a quick bite is enough to kill a koala. Their skin is very soft and internal organs are easily punctured.
It's cruel to confine or restrain a dog
By restaining dogs, especially at night when koalas are most active, many attacks can be avoided. Dogs soon enjoy the routine of being ‘put to bed’ or ‘denned’ each night.
I want my dogs loose on my property for protection
Unrestrained dogs can be baited or distracted. Your dog is much safer at the house where they can guard you best.
But I have a fence and no trees in my yard
Koalas can climb most fences and often cross yards to reach other nearby trees.
There is plenty of bush for koalas
Koalas no longer rely on remnant bushland. Suburban gardens are a part of their territory.
If you come across a sick or injured koala, please contact one of the following organisations. If you are unsure who to call or you get no answer, then contact KAGR on 0428 865 172.
ANARRA Wildlife Rescue Gympie & Fraser Coast
Australian Native Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Association.
Phone: 07 5484 9111
Noosa & Sunshine Coast Koala Rescue Team
Wildcare Australia
24 Hour Emergency Hotline
Phone: 07 5527 2444
1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625)
RSPCA Call Centre coordinate assistance/rescue Queensland wide