As summer arrives and trees bloom, the often-ignored danger powerlines pose to wildlife becomes evident.

Local wildlife advocates shared a pressing message recently: ‘Pay attention to powerlines and you could save a life this summer.’

This isn’t just a safety protocol—it’s a plea for residents to remain observant. Here’s why this matter is urgent.

Emma Cash from Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter shared a photo online shedding light on a distressing situation in Victoria’s eastern suburbs.

The image initially presents an adult flying fox, lifeless and ensnared in electricity wires. However, a closer look reveals a more heartrending sight: a juvenile flying fox, terrified, clinging to its deceased mother.

A flying fox pup discovered clinging to its deceased mother and rescued on Monday by Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter, is now thriving under their care. Image source: Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter

Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident.

In a week, five baby flying foxes were found in the green areas of eastern Victoria, orphaned as their mothers succumbed to electrocution.

The tragedies are exacerbated by the close bond between flying fox mothers and their babies.

These mothers usually have one baby per year, and the newborns rely entirely on them during the initial months, clinging to them during nightly flights for food.

Emma told Yahoo News Australia: ‘Pretty much every female found on powerlines will have a pup on her. We’re really early into the season, but they’re coming in thick and fast.’

The primary problem appears to be flowering gum trees, whose branches extend too close to powerlines, resulting in these unfortunate accidents.

While adult flying foxes often get electrocuted when they touch the wires, the juveniles can survive for hours or even days undiscovered.

A grey-headed flying fox mother carries her pup to a roost. Image source: Facebook/@DougGimesyPhotography

A similar incident took place in Ferntree Gully recently, according to Emma. A young bat’s attempts to communicate with its deceased mother likely went unheard for hours.

‘When juveniles are calling and nuzzling, but nothing happens, they become terrified,’ she said

‘He certainly didn’t want to let go of his mum when we got him down. She’s all he knows.’

It’s worth noting that while flying foxes might cause some ‘noise’ and ‘mess’ in suburban areas, they play an essential role in the environment.

Their numbers are dwindling, and many species are threatened with extinction due to climate change and habitat loss.

Without them, the country’s ancient forests will suffer because flying foxes are the only creatures in Australia that can pollinate over long distances.

Unlike many birds that stick to their territories, flying foxes can travel up to 50km to eat, helping spread the genetic diversity of flowering plants as they feed on them.

But while it can be tempting to act on your own should you see a flying fox in trouble, for safety reasons, only those trained and vaccinated should handle these animals due to potential health risks such as lyssavirus.

Australian bat lyssavirus is a rare but deadly disease affecting the central nervous system, similar to rabies.

Amidst the situation, the community is coming together to rescue these flying foxes.

Take, for instance, the recent support from power company SP AusNet, which dispatched a technician to safely recover a deceased flying fox and its pup.

If you encounter a flying fox in distress, connect with local wildlife groups or statewide services such as Wildlife Victoria and Australian Wildlife Rescue Organisation (WIRES). They stand prepared and eager to assist.

Meanwhile, you can also help by simply looking up.

Key Takeaways

• Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter, a frontline rescue group, is urging people to pay attention to powerlines as they can be a threat to flying foxes.
• Flying foxes, particularly juveniles, have been found clinging to their dead mothers on powerlines in Victoria’s eastern suburbs.
• Flying foxes are declining in numbers and threatened with extinction due to climate change and habitat loss. They are important for pollination and spreading the genetic diversity of flowering plants.
• Rescuers have linked with power companies to help in such incidences, and the public is advised to reach out to local wildlife groups or statewide services like Wildlife Victoria and WIRES for assistance.

Members, have any of you witnessed flying foxes getting electrocuted in powerlines? What other measures do you believe both the government and the community should take to prevent this? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

 

[Littleboy8]

As summer arrives and trees bloom, the often-ignored danger powerlines pose to wildlife becomes evident.

Local wildlife advocates shared a pressing message recently: ‘Pay attention to powerlines and you could save a life this summer.’

This isn’t just a safety protocol—it’s a plea for residents to remain observant. Here’s why this matter is urgent.

Emma Cash from Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter shared a photo online shedding light on a distressing situation in Victoria’s eastern suburbs.

The image initially presents an adult flying fox, lifeless and ensnared in electricity wires. However, a closer look reveals a more heartrending sight: a juvenile flying fox, terrified, clinging to its deceased mother.

View attachment 33036

A flying fox pup discovered clinging to its deceased mother and rescued on Monday by Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter, is now thriving under their care. Image source: Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter

Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident.

In a week, five baby flying foxes were found in the green areas of eastern Victoria, orphaned as their mothers succumbed to electrocution.

The tragedies are exacerbated by the close bond between flying fox mothers and their babies.

These mothers usually have one baby per year, and the newborns rely entirely on them during the initial months, clinging to them during nightly flights for food.

Emma told Yahoo News Australia: ‘Pretty much every female found on powerlines will have a pup on her. We’re really early into the season, but they’re coming in thick and fast.’

The primary problem appears to be flowering gum trees, whose branches extend too close to powerlines, resulting in these unfortunate accidents.

While adult flying foxes often get electrocuted when they touch the wires, the juveniles can survive for hours or even days undiscovered.

View attachment 33037

A grey-headed flying fox mother carries her pup to a roost. Image source: Facebook/@DougGimesyPhotography

A similar incident took place in Ferntree Gully recently, according to Emma. A young bat’s attempts to communicate with its deceased mother likely went unheard for hours.

‘When juveniles are calling and nuzzling, but nothing happens, they become terrified,’ she said

‘He certainly didn’t want to let go of his mum when we got him down. She’s all he knows.’

It’s worth noting that while flying foxes might cause some ‘noise’ and ‘mess’ in suburban areas, they play an essential role in the environment.

Their numbers are dwindling, and many species are threatened with extinction due to climate change and habitat loss.

Without them, the country’s ancient forests will suffer because flying foxes are the only creatures in Australia that can pollinate over long distances.

Unlike many birds that stick to their territories, flying foxes can travel up to 50km to eat, helping spread the genetic diversity of flowering plants as they feed on them.

But while it can be tempting to act on your own should you see a flying fox in trouble, for safety reasons, only those trained and vaccinated should handle these animals due to potential health risks such as lyssavirus.

Australian bat lyssavirus is a rare but deadly disease affecting the central nervous system, similar to rabies.

Amidst the situation, the community is coming together to rescue these flying foxes.

Take, for instance, the recent support from power company SP AusNet, which dispatched a technician to safely recover a deceased flying fox and its pup.

If you encounter a flying fox in distress, connect with local wildlife groups or statewide services such as Wildlife Victoria and Australian Wildlife Rescue Organisation (WIRES). They stand prepared and eager to assist.

Meanwhile, you can also help by simply looking up.

Key Takeaways

• Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter, a frontline rescue group, is urging people to pay attention to powerlines as they can be a threat to flying foxes.
• Flying foxes, particularly juveniles, have been found clinging to their dead mothers on powerlines in Victoria’s eastern suburbs.
• Flying foxes are declining in numbers and threatened with extinction due to climate change and habitat loss. They are important for pollination and spreading the genetic diversity of flowering plants.
• Rescuers have linked with power companies to help in such incidences, and the public is advised to reach out to local wildlife groups or statewide services like Wildlife Victoria and WIRES for assistance.

Members, have any of you witnessed flying foxes getting electrocuted in powerlines? What other measures do you believe both the government and the community should take to prevent this? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

Noooo poor mummies and bubbies

 

[Knell]

Very sad. See it way too often and the darling possums.

 

[Tygie]

As summer arrives and trees bloom, the often-ignored danger powerlines pose to wildlife becomes evident.

Local wildlife advocates shared a pressing message recently: ‘Pay attention to powerlines and you could save a life this summer.’

This isn’t just a safety protocol—it’s a plea for residents to remain observant. Here’s why this matter is urgent.

Emma Cash from Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter shared a photo online shedding light on a distressing situation in Victoria’s eastern suburbs.

The image initially presents an adult flying fox, lifeless and ensnared in electricity wires. However, a closer look reveals a more heartrending sight: a juvenile flying fox, terrified, clinging to its deceased mother.

View attachment 33036

A flying fox pup discovered clinging to its deceased mother and rescued on Monday by Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter, is now thriving under their care. Image source: Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter

Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident.

In a week, five baby flying foxes were found in the green areas of eastern Victoria, orphaned as their mothers succumbed to electrocution.

The tragedies are exacerbated by the close bond between flying fox mothers and their babies.

These mothers usually have one baby per year, and the newborns rely entirely on them during the initial months, clinging to them during nightly flights for food.

Emma told Yahoo News Australia: ‘Pretty much every female found on powerlines will have a pup on her. We’re really early into the season, but they’re coming in thick and fast.’

The primary problem appears to be flowering gum trees, whose branches extend too close to powerlines, resulting in these unfortunate accidents.

While adult flying foxes often get electrocuted when they touch the wires, the juveniles can survive for hours or even days undiscovered.

View attachment 33037

A grey-headed flying fox mother carries her pup to a roost. Image source: Facebook/@DougGimesyPhotography

A similar incident took place in Ferntree Gully recently, according to Emma. A young bat’s attempts to communicate with its deceased mother likely went unheard for hours.

‘When juveniles are calling and nuzzling, but nothing happens, they become terrified,’ she said

‘He certainly didn’t want to let go of his mum when we got him down. She’s all he knows.’

It’s worth noting that while flying foxes might cause some ‘noise’ and ‘mess’ in suburban areas, they play an essential role in the environment.

Their numbers are dwindling, and many species are threatened with extinction due to climate change and habitat loss.

Without them, the country’s ancient forests will suffer because flying foxes are the only creatures in Australia that can pollinate over long distances.

Unlike many birds that stick to their territories, flying foxes can travel up to 50km to eat, helping spread the genetic diversity of flowering plants as they feed on them.

But while it can be tempting to act on your own should you see a flying fox in trouble, for safety reasons, only those trained and vaccinated should handle these animals due to potential health risks such as lyssavirus.

Australian bat lyssavirus is a rare but deadly disease affecting the central nervous system, similar to rabies.

Amidst the situation, the community is coming together to rescue these flying foxes.

Take, for instance, the recent support from power company SP AusNet, which dispatched a technician to safely recover a deceased flying fox and its pup.

If you encounter a flying fox in distress, connect with local wildlife groups or statewide services such as Wildlife Victoria and Australian Wildlife Rescue Organisation (WIRES). They stand prepared and eager to assist.

Meanwhile, you can also help by simply looking up.

Key Takeaways

• Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter, a frontline rescue group, is urging people to pay attention to powerlines as they can be a threat to flying foxes.
• Flying foxes, particularly juveniles, have been found clinging to their dead mothers on powerlines in Victoria’s eastern suburbs.
• Flying foxes are declining in numbers and threatened with extinction due to climate change and habitat loss. They are important for pollination and spreading the genetic diversity of flowering plants.
• Rescuers have linked with power companies to help in such incidences, and the public is advised to reach out to local wildlife groups or statewide services like Wildlife Victoria and WIRES for assistance.

Members, have any of you witnessed flying foxes getting electrocuted in powerlines? What other measures do you believe both the government and the community should take to prevent this? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

If i saw one of those i wouldn't tell anyone - they are as bad as bats - plain vermin! Noisy, flithy, horrible, disgusting vermin and if they are stupid enough to hang off power lines then they deserve what they get. I'm not getting their diseases for anything, i don't want nothing to do with those messy things. Their in plague proportions lie bats.
Plenty of native and otherwise bees, insects and birds to pollinate plants and flowers.
Now if it was a koala or some other worthy animal i would raise an alarm for that!

 

[Littleboy8]

If i saw one of those i wouldn't tell anyone - they are as bad as bats - plain vermin! Noisy, flithy, horrible, disgusting vermin and if they are stupid enough to hang off power lines then they deserve what they get. I'm not getting their diseases for anything, i don't want nothing to do with those messy things. Their in plague proportions lie bats.
Plenty of native and otherwise bees, insects and birds to pollinate plants and flowers.
Now if it was a koala or some other worthy animal i would raise an alarm for that!

your not very animal friendly are you tygie. I hope if there’s an after life you come back as so called vermin.

 

[Knell]

your not very animal friendly are you tygie. I hope if there’s an after life you come back as so called vermin.

They are very important to our environment and eco systems and are protected here.

 

[Knell]

If i saw one of those i wouldn't tell anyone - they are as bad as bats - plain vermin! Noisy, flithy, horrible, disgusting vermin and if they are stupid enough to hang off power lines then they deserve what they get. I'm not getting their diseases for anything, i don't want nothing to do with those messy things. Their in plague proportions lie bats.
Plenty of native and otherwise bees, insects and birds to pollinate plants and flowers.
Now if it was a koala or some other worthy animal i would raise an alarm for that!

"worthy"???? Yes they are very worthy

 

[Tygie]

I am animal friendly - just not vermin friendly!
Just cause the vermin might be protected (minor birds are protected as well but they are VERMIN too that destroy nectar flowers for native birds like lorrikeets, correllas etc.) doesn't mean i have to get someone to risk their life to rescue the vermin.
I don't mean kill them all just cull their numbers down as the vermin are overtaking the environment and if that means all i can do is not care if they zap themselves to death on power lines then so be it. Once a species like those vermin get out of control it effects the environment and eco systems throwing them out of balance and causing damage to both. So the governments should get off their pen pushing butts and actually do something to even the balance again instead of protecting them.
As or the afterlife quip - HA HA - People can NOT come back as an animal of any sort only a person! So that was a good laugh not an insult!

 

[Knell]

I am animal friendly - just not vermin friendly!
Just cause the vermin might be protected (minor birds are protected as well but they are VERMIN too that destroy nectar flowers for native birds like lorrikeets, correllas etc.) doesn't mean i have to get someone to risk their life to rescue the vermin.
I don't mean kill them all just cull their numbers down as the vermin are overtaking the environment and if that means all i can do is not care if they zap themselves to death on power lines then so be it. Once a species like those vermin get out of control it effects the environment and eco systems throwing them out of balance and causing damage to both. So the governments should get off their pen pushing butts and actually do something to even the balance again instead of protecting them.
As or the afterlife quip - HA HA - People can NOT come back as an animal of any sort only a person! So that was a good laugh not an insult!

They are not vermin and their numbers are declining. Noisy Minor birds are native, Indian Myna birds are not, they look similar. The Indian Myna birds are a threat to our Noisy Minors.

 

[Littleboy8]

I am animal friendly - just not vermin friendly!
Just cause the vermin might be protected (minor birds are protected as well but they are VERMIN too that destroy nectar flowers for native birds like lorrikeets, correllas etc.) doesn't mean i have to get someone to risk their life to rescue the vermin.
I don't mean kill them all just cull their numbers down as the vermin are overtaking the environment and if that means all i can do is not care if they zap themselves to death on power lines then so be it. Once a species like those vermin get out of control it effects the environment and eco systems throwing them out of balance and causing damage to both. So the governments should get off their pen pushing butts and actually do something to even the balance again instead of protecting them.
As or the afterlife quip - HA HA - People can NOT come back as an animal of any sort only a person! So that was a good laugh not an insult!

Every animal has been put on this planet for a reason pity it can’t be said for some so called humans.

 

[Littleboy8]

I am animal friendly - just not vermin friendly!
Just cause the vermin might be protected (minor birds are protected as well but they are VERMIN too that destroy nectar flowers for native birds like lorrikeets, correllas etc.) doesn't mean i have to get someone to risk their life to rescue the vermin.
I don't mean kill them all just cull their numbers down as the vermin are overtaking the environment and if that means all i can do is not care if they zap themselves to death on power lines then so be it. Once a species like those vermin get out of control it effects the environment and eco systems throwing them out of balance and causing damage to both. So the governments should get off their pen pushing butts and actually do something to even the balance again instead of protecting them.
As or the afterlife quip - HA HA - People can NOT come back as an animal of any sort only a person! So that was a good laugh not an insult!

How do you know are you psychic or just a psycho

 

[Littleboy8]

They are not vermin and their numbers are declining. Noisy Minor birds are native, Indian Myna birds are not, they look similar. The Indian Myna birds are a threat to our Noisy Minors.

Wasn’t there a cartoon about The Indian minor birdsI call them heckle and jeckyle.

 

[Knell]

Wasn’t there a cartoon about The Indian minor birdsI call them heckle and jeckyle.

I don't remember it, but it seems by google search they were yellow-billed magpies...?