Koalas on the move earlier this season

24 July 2023

Koala and joey up high in a tree

It appears our lovable furry friends are getting out and about earlier than normal for their breeding season this year. As exciting as it might be to spot a koala in the wild, Council and Friends of the Koala are urging people to be extra vigilant, especially on our roads.

Koalas are at their most mobile through spring and summer as they actively search for mates and new habitat however, this season, they are on the move earlier than normal.

Council’s conservation planning officer Marama Hopkins said when koala habitat is small and fragmented, koalas are often forced to travel long distances through urbanised areas to get to their next patch of bushland.

“Unfortunately, koalas are most at risk of being struck by a vehicle or attacked by a dog during this time when they are more mobile,” Ms Hopkins said.

“As a community, we need to do everything we can to keep these iconic creatures safe from harm. This includes containing dogs at night, keeping a lookout for koalas on properties and when driving - particularly between dusk and dawn.”

Friends of the Koala, the leading koala conservation organisation in the Northern Rivers, is concerned about the alarming rise in the number of koala car hits in the region. During the month of June, Friends of the Koala recorded a distressing surge in koalas being hit by cars across the Northern Rivers, with 6 koalas dying due to vehicle strikes.

How to help koalas:

  • Drive slowly in koala zones, considering there might be a koala on the road. Observe koala signs – they are there for a reason.
  • Contain dogs at night when koalas are most active.
  • Provide safe refuge for koalas in backyards: retain trees and install wildlife-friendly fencing. 
  • Report all koala sightings: sick, injured, distressed or dead koalas immediately to the Friends of the Koala 24/7 rescue hotline on 02 6622 1233.
  • Sightings of healthy koalas can be reported on Council's website or at Friends of the Koala.

Find out more about the Tweed’s koalas and how Council is taking action to protect them.

Image: Keep a lookout on the roads to protect the Tweed’s endangered koala population, such as this adorable koala with its joey pictured at Tomewin. Photo credit: Sarah Cobb

 

 

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