General News
24 October, 2025
Don’t disturb baby bats
BABY bat season has begun for spectacled flying-foxes and mothers are settling into maternity roosts across the region to give birth and raise their pups.
To minimise pup deaths, the community is being urged to avoid disturbing roosts.
“Baby bat season is a particularly vulnerable time,” said a FNQ Wildlife Rescue spokesman.
“During their first three months, pups can’t fly and are unable to move away from danger and mothers may abandon their young if they become disturbed or stressed.
“It is important to avoid disturbing roosts during the day, when mothers are nursing their young, and to keep dogs and other animals away.”
Spectacled flying-foxes are a threatened species with special protections under national and state legislation. It is an offence to harm them or disturb their roosts, and substantial penalties may apply. If you find a sick, injured or dead bat, avoid touching it – call FNQ Wildlife Rescue on (07) 4053 4467.
Read More: Far North