Flying Foxes

Flying Foxes are an important native species protected by NSW State legislation and for the Grey-headed Flying Fox both State and Federal legislation. Flying Foxes are increasingly moving closer to towns and people in search of food and shelter because of the loss of their natural habitat and in response to local food availability through changed weather patterns.

Co-existing with flying foxes in an urban environment can be challenging for communities. Concerns around noise, mess, smell and disease risk are often raised by the community.

There has been a recent influx of large numbers of flying-foxes in part of the Upper Hunter Shire, particularly Aberdeen (along the Hunter River) and Murrurundi (along a section of the Pages River. While this may be alarming there are some things to bear in mind:

• Flying-Foxes, like the koala, are a native species and are protected in Australia. As with all protected native animals it is an offence to undertake actions that cause flying-foxes harm (this includes shooting, banging pots and pans, the use sound devices to scare them off, smoke and water jetting).
• They play an important role in the Australian environment because they are natural pollinators and seed dispersers.
• Flying-foxes tend to follow their preferred native plant pollen and nectar during flowering events, so the camp is unlikely to be permanent and should move on once the flowing event has finished.
• Lyssavirus - Some flying-foxes may carry the Lyssavirus however they pose no health risk unless a person is scratched or bitten.
• Hendra virus - It is unlikely that a person can be directly infected. Occasionally the virus can spread from flying foxes to horses and horses by unprotected stock feed and can then pass the infection on to humans. A small number of people who had very close contact with infected horses have developed Hendra virus infection. Always ensure horse feed is protected from contamination by flying fox fluids.
• In most circumstance flying-foxes will stay away from people.
• Flying-foxes can impact on amenity from noise and odour it may not be pleasant but not harmful.
• Don’t disturb the flying-foxes as they just get stressed and it makes them noisier – the are quietest when left along.
• If flying-foxes have set up camp in trees on your property contact the NSW Environment Line 131 555 before trimming any of these trees.
• Never handle flying-foxes. This includes injured or dead animals. Contact WIRES: 1300 094 737

Further information can be found at:

NSW Environment and Heritage
Living with Grey-Headed Flying-Foxes
Little Aussie Battler