Western Sydney’s weekend heat claims thousands of bats
WESTERN Sydney’s sizzling heat claimed the lives of hundreds of young flying foxes on the weekend. The final count could run into the thousands.
Parramatta
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WESTERN Sydney’s sizzling heat claimed the lives of hundreds of young flying foxes on the weekend. The final count could run into the thousands.
WIRES volunteers worked around the clock to treat as many as possible in the Parramatta Park and Campbelltown bat colonies and keep the remaining bats cool with misting.
The barometer peaked at noon, reaching 43 degrees at Parramatta Park.
Volunteers from WIRES North West worked alongside Sydney Wildlife volunteers.
“The efforts of our volunteers was both heroic and heartbreaking,” WIRES said on social media.
“In extremely trying conditions they worked tirelessly to provide subcutaneous fluids to the pups that could be reached and many lives were saved but, sadly, many were lost too.
“A very tough and very sad day.”
HOW TO HELP
● Flying foxes suffering heat stress may come to the ground or move lower down to the ground during daylight hours
● If you see this, call WIRES on 1300 094 737
● Never touch or handle a flying fox. A small number may present a risk of contracting Australian bat lyssavirus, a disease transmitted through bites and scratches
● If the flying fox is on the ground and it’s a hot day, place a cool towel or umbrella above it until the rescuer arrives
● Spraying the animal intermittently with a light mist or setting up a sprinkler to gently wet the animal can also help