Gold Coast skies turned black by northern flying fox visitors

IF you are feeling more batty than usual this month, there is a good reason for it according to animal lover Sharon Quinlan

Sparkles the Grey-headed Flying Fox is cared for by volunteer Dr Alison Sammel. Picture Glenn Hampson

THE Gold Coast's skies have been going dark earlier than usual this month due to an annual migration of visiting bats descending on the city.

Gold Coast-based Bats Queensland president Sharon Quinlan said the little red flying foxes came south from the Northern Territory each year, prompting concern among residents that there was a bat population explosion.

Sparkles the Grey-headed Flying Fox. Picture Glenn Hampson

"They follow the food and the blossoms around Christmas time and compete with our local bats," she said.

"There are always complaints around this time because they live near houses.

"But they are gone by the end of January."

The Coast's bat population has swelled by another 150 after the sick and injured flying foxes from a colony on the Sunshine Coast were transported here to be cared for by volunteers.

Ms Quinlan said the Woodford colony was devastated by the extreme heat and those that were left needed to be rehydrated and fed three times a day.

"Caring for a baby bat is as intensive as caring for a baby human," she said.

"This is an intense period as many of the babies will be on a four to six hourly feeds depending on their age.

"It is hard work and we need as many hands as possible."

Sparkles gives Dr Alison Sammel a kiss. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mr Quinlan said more volunteers, vaccinated against Lyssa virus, were needed to help look after the bats.

"We need people that have been vaccinated to assist with the feeding and care of the baby bats that have been rescued and hope to be able to save," she said.

"We would also appreciate the help of non-vaccinated people to make up formula, wash bottles and bedding and support the vaccinated carers."

Once the bats are healthy again, the team will take the bats to a property in Woodford to release the animals back in their natural environment.

Visit www.batsqld.org.au to volunteer.