The pup was rescued on Monday, October 15 after its mother was found dead on powerlines in the Camden Haven. 

FAWNA NSW president Meredith Ryan said the birthing season is here and migrating animals have joined the local camps while their young are born. 

Mrs Ryan is urging everyone in the community to contact the FAWNA wildlife rescue hotline on 6581 4141, if they are aware of any bat alone during the day, or if one is sighted on powerlines. 

“A dead adult flying fox electrocuted on the powerlines may have an unharmed pup aboard and it is important we get to them quickly. 

“Infant young are often not apparent because they are attached to the mother’s nipple up in the armpit area,” she said. 

“Sometime a shrill whistle up at the bat will elicit a chirruping response from the pup.”

Mrs Ryan said people should not touch any bat but call FAWNA for assistance.

“If the phone line is busy, wait a few minutes and please ring back.

“It is the busiest time of year now and resources are stretched.”

A small percentage of flying foxes and insectivorous bats can carry the Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABL) and anyone who handles them needs to be vaccinated.

“The ABL is transmitted through saliva, not faeces or urine as sometimes reported,” said Mrs Ryan. 

FAWNA has 22 trained and vaccinated flying fox rescuers in Port Macquarie-Hastings, Kempsey, MidCoast and Dungog.

Mrs Ryan said Essential Energy takes responsibility for any animals harmed on their equipment and are ‘tremendous’ in helping get flying foxes off powerlines.

FAWNA’s vaccinated carers take any live young into care and put them through the group’s targeted release program.

“FAWNA rescuers have tricks to get them off barbed wire without causing more harm to delicate wing membranes, Mrs Ryan said. 

“At the most the group asks the public to cover them with a towel or cloth remembering they can have a long reach.

“As the animals would be stressed, they might perceive anyone trying to help them as a threat and react accordingly.

“If anyone is bitten or scratched by a bat of any kind they should immediately wash the area with soap and running water for a good few minutes, then seek immediate medical attention to ascertain whether they need to undergo a course of vaccination.”

FAWNA’s volunteers responded to 3560 reported wildlife cases last financial year.

The organisation welcomes any new members to its next induction training course in February 2019.

For more information please visit the website at www.fawna.org.au