Koalas and Dogs
Domestic dogs, even well-behaved ones, pose a significant threat to koalas.
The risk increases during the active koala breeding season.
RISKS
🔴 Most dogs have never seen a koala before. The sight of a koala can trigger a natural defensive or predatory response, which may lead to attacks.
🔴 Even a single bite can be fatal. Koalas have very soft skin, and their internal organs can be easily injured.
🔴 Koalas are excellent climbers and can scale most fences.
🔴 Koalas often cross yards to reach nearby trees in their home range or when they are looking for a mate.
🔴 Juvenile koalas often enter residential yards when moving through the area during dispersal while trying to find their own territory.
🔴 Most dog interactions on koalas occur in yards at night when koalas and many other wildlife are most active.
Despite best prevention efforts, encounters can still occur. If a dog has had any contact with a koala, the koala will require veterinary assessment, even if it appears unharmed, dazed, or climbs a tree. Secure your dog immediately and call for help or advice without delay.
WHO TO CALL
WILDCARE Noosa, Gympie and
Sunshine Coast Koala Rescue: 5527 2444
ANARRA Gympie Wildlife Hotline: 5443 4859
RSPCA: 1300 264 625
Steps to Keep Koalas Safe
🟢 Keep dogs indoors or inside an enclosed deck at night when koalas are most active.
🟢 Have a safe, fenced dog yard.
🟢 Keep your dog on a lead when walking to avoid any interactions with koalas and other wildlife.
🟢 Implement dog training and education programs to minimise interactions with wildlife.
Check out the Leave It program for dog training tips which offers a fantastic resource for dog owners living in koala areas
Koalas and Livestock
Steps to Keep Koalas Safe
🟢 Monitor livestock for potentially harmful behaviour toward koalas.
🟢 Retain and plant paddock trees to create safe koala corridors.
🟢 If you witness an incident, report it immediately to your local rescue group.
Domestic livestock can also harm koalas, especially if they come across one on the ground in a paddock.
