Flying Foxes

Flying-foxes are an important native species protected under NSW State legislation, and for the Grey-headed Flying-fox, both State and Federal legislation applies. These animals are increasingly moving closer to towns and people in search of food and shelter due to habitat loss and changing weather patterns that affect local food availability.

Co-existing with flying-foxes in urban environments can be challenging. Common community concerns include noise, mess, odour and perceived disease risks.

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

Flying-foxes, like koalas, are native and protected species. It is an offence to harm them, including by shooting, banging pots and pans, using sound devices to scare them, or deploying smoke or water jets.
They play an important role in the Australian environment because they are natural pollinators and seed dispersers.
Flying-foxes tend to follow native flowering events, so camps are usually temporary and will move on once the flowering has finished.
Lyssavirus – Some flying-foxes may carry Lyssavirus, but they pose no health risk unless a person is scratched or bitten.
Hendra virus – Direct infection from flying-foxes to humans is unlikely. In rare cases, the virus can spread from flying-foxes to horses (usually through unprotected feed), and then from infected horses to humans. Always keep horse feed covered to prevent contamination.
In most circumstances, flying-foxes will avoid people.
While flying-foxes can affect amenity due to noise and odour, these impacts are unpleasant rather than harmful.
Avoid disturbing them, as this causes stress and increases noise. They are quietest when left alone.
If flying-foxes have camped in trees on your property, contact the NSW Environment Line on 131 555 before trimming or removing any vegetation.
Never handle flying-foxes, including injured or deceased animals. Contact WIRES on 1300 094 737 for assistance.

Further information can be found at:

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

What to do if flying foxes are near you

Flying Foxes play an important role in the Australian environment because they are natural plant pollinators and seed dispersers. As a protected species it is important that the animals are left alone, in addition, they are quietest when left undisturbed.

If you come across a flying fox do not handle it, the greatest risk of disease is if you are scratched or bitten. If it is wounded call a wildlife rescue service.

If you have further questions or concerns about flying foxes in your area, call the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage on 131 555.

Report flying fox sightings

Flying foxes may create new camps in different areas and it is important for Council to investigate possible new camps. If you see flying foxes roosting in new areas, please complete the following online form.

If you see an injured or dead flying fox, please report it using the form below and ensure you do not touch any flying foxes, alive or dead.

Report A Flying Fox Sighting

Flying fox camp management plan

The camp management plans were prepared by Hunter Councils Environment Division in partnership with Council and with funding from the NSW Department of Environment and Heritage.

The plans’ objectives are to enable land managers and other stakeholders to use a range of suitable management responses to sustainably manage flying-foxes, to better understand the effects of and mitigate direct negative impacts on local residents, to educate and better inform local communities about the importance and benefits of flying-foxes, and to conserve and protect, as required by law, flying-foxes and their habitat.

Community views on the flying-fox camps contributed to the plans through submissions, particularly submissions to the website survey, town meetings and individual meetings with impacted residents.

Aberdeen and Scone Flying-Fox Camp Management Plan(PDF, 3MB)

Murrurundi Flying-Fox Camp Management Strategy(PDF, 3MB)