It’s coming up to koala breeding season and that means the lovable critters don’t realise they are putting their lives on the line as they start moving around looking for a mate.
Moving around bushland means crossing roads and going near suburban residences, increasing the risk of getting run over or attacked by a dog.
That is why Ricardo Carlo Lonza, a Campbelltown area wildlife rescuer with WIRES, is calling on all residents to do what a Ruse resident did yesterday when she spotted a koala walking on to her front yard.
She called WIRES and Mr Lonza says they responded and ensured the safety of the koala.
“It’s coming up to breeding season and koalas are already on the move looking for a mate, putting them in danger of dog attacks and motor vehicles,’’ he says.
“So if you have a koala sighting or have seen a sick or injured or a deceased koala please call a wildlife organisation asap.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Please remember, do not try and handle or rescue a koala as they are a wild animal,’’ Mr Lonza said.[/social_quote]
“Leave it to the wildlife experts.’’
As well as being a WIRES wildlife rescuer, Mr Lonza is the founder of Help Save the Wildlife and Bushlands in Campbelltown.
“The Macarthur region is very lucky to have these beautiful and unique creatures in the area so we as a community need to look out for them and keep them safe so they can be here for generations to come,’’ he said.
The Voice asked him to name the suburbs were local residents need to be extra vigilant on koalas.
He said that residents of all areas near bushlands, such as Kentlyn, Wedderburn, Leumeah, Bradbury, St Helens Park, Appin Road Macquarie Fields and Glenfield should keep an eye out for koalas on the move.
Koala breeding season occurs between spring and summer.
“If there is a koala in a tree in your backyard and you have a dog please lock them up until koala is rescued if needed or moved on,’’ Mr Lonza said.
♦ If you see a koala call these organisations:
• 24 hour WIRES koala hotline 0466 318 688;
•Sydney Wildlife 9413 4300.
