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Be aware, drive with care as koalas on the move for breeding season

August 2, 2022 3:21 pm in by
Local News

Cute wild koala bear is sitting on the tree in Noosa National Park on Queensland, Sunshine Coast, Australia

Drivers are being urged to be aware of roaming koalas on our roads this breeding season.

Stats from Wildcare Australia show almost half of all animal strikes between the Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions happen in the Noosa Shire.

Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation has put up new signs at koala strike hotspots along McKinnon Drive and Cooroy-Noosa Road warning motorists to slow down as part of its awareness campaign.

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Wildcare Australia rescuer Rachel Lyons says the peak time for road strikes occurs during koala breeding season between July and December each year.

“During this time koalas are searching for a mate, juveniles are dispersing from their mothers and others are out establishing their own home range,” Ms Lyons says.

“Sadly, only around 20 percent of koalas hit by vehicles survive due to the extent of their injuries.”

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart says the council is committed to working with the community to ensure that koalas remain an essential component of Noosa’s biodiversity.

“They are a national icon and we are proud to support any worthwhile initiative that assists in the safe movement of koalas and further protects the population in Noosa,” she says.

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