Balgowah resident forced to remove flying fox remains from backyard
A Balgowlah resident said he is fed up with removing the remains of dead flying foxes that are falling into his backyard.
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A Balgowlah resident said he is fed up with removing the remains of dead flying foxes that are falling into his backyard.
Ron Hoban lives next door to the grey-headed flying-fox colony hiding out in bushland at Burnt Bridge Creek.
According to Mr Hoban, an owl is responsible for killing the flying-foxes and leaving their carcass in the backyard.
“There’s an owl that sits up in the tree, I hear him every night and when the bats fly back it’s attacking them,”
Mr Hoban says the latest attack, which happened last Friday, is the fourth to occur in a matter of months.
The flying foxes also create a foul stench, according to Mr Hoban.
“ ... and not only that, there’s droppings on my car and along the driveway.”
With his grandchildren often visiting, Mr Hoban said the carcasses posed a health issue.
“It is a health hazard,” he said. “I have to wear rubber gloves to dispose of it.”
NSW Department of Primary Industries advises that people should avoid directly handling a dead bat, and to use a shovel or wear gloves.
Residents should also dispose of the bats by incineration or deep burial.
A Manly Council spokesman said there is currently a draft management plan on exhibition for the flying foxes.
The plan has a number of key actions including removing coral trees – which flying-foxes like to roost in – and replanting suitable roost trees in more appropriate areas.
The council will also look to maintain and perhaps increase the buffer zone between houses and the flying-fox camp.