Head carer for flying-foxes with Wildlife ARC, Kerryn Parry-Jones, has issued a warning on the dangers of barbed wire fences to our wildlife.
Parry-Jones said she has had to rescue flying foxes from various locations around the region where barbed wire has been used to keep people out.
“It doesn’t keep them out; anyone who really wants access only needs to throw a towel over the strands and climb over,” she said.
“However it does catch our wildlife.”
The Wildlife Animal Rescue and Care Society Inc (the Wildlife ARC) is the largest wildlife rehabilitation society on the Coast.
Unpaid volunteers learn to look after the large variety of native fauna that is found in the area and man a 24/7 phone service so there is always someone at the end of the line to help wildlife in trouble.
The ARC is responsible for the rescue, care and rehabilitation of more than 5,000 animals each year.
“Rescuing an injured animal is often challenging,” Parry-Jones said.
“However, the worst rescues are those involving barbed wire, ‘the Devil’s rope’.
“Wildlife, such as possums, gliders, flying-foxes and all sorts of birds can get pinned on the barbs and die slowly in the sun.
“When rescued, their injuries are often severe.
“Recently the Delta Power Station gave some land to the people at Kingfisher Shores as a gesture of goodwill for a community garden.
“The plot of land is surrounded by a fence topped with three strands of barbed wire.
“People are grateful for the gift but unfortunately those three strands of barbed wire are a huge danger to our wildlife.
“The carers of the ARC would like to make a plea to everyone involved in fencing to consider our wildlife and build wildlife friendly fences.”
You can report animals in distress on 4325 0666.
Source:
Media release, Aug 15
Kerryn Parry-Jones, Wildlife ARC