Golf Club's Nets Kill Dozens of Flying Foxes in Queensland
A Queensland golf club is urgently seeking solutions after 88 flying foxes became trapped in driving range netting, with fewer than half surviving the ordeal that has highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing recreational facilities with wildlife protection.
Wildlife carer Katrina Odgers led a harrowing multi-day rescue operation at Noosa Golf Club this week, working with specialised equipment to free the trapped bats one by one. The rescue required a cherry picker and took approximately 10 minutes per animal, with many bats dying before they could be reached.
"There were 88 bats in total. And I think less than half survived," Odgers told media. "They were severely dehydrated, their eyes were open because they couldn't blink. We'd get them eyedrops if they weren't blinking."
Third Incident This Month
The mass entanglement marks the third such incident at the site this month, raising serious questions about the adequacy of current wildlife protection measures. The netting, installed approximately six months ago, has proven problematic since its installation, with the first animal entrapment occurring shortly after setup.
The rescued bats were transported to Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, where surviving animals are receiving care. Some have been placed with specialist wildlife carers for rehabilitation.
Club Responds with Interim Measures
Noosa Golf Club president Dale Officer confirmed the club is actively seeking long-term solutions while implementing immediate protective measures. The club funded the cherry picker rescue operation and installed flood lights to deter bats on subsequent nights, which proved effective in preventing further entanglements.
"We're taking steps to try and solve this issue long term," Officer said. "Our problem is, because the nets are 25 metres high, you need a specialised and authorised team, and they've got to have proper equipment to get up that high."
The club is exploring multiple options including reflective discs, wildlife-friendly netting with smaller holes, and adjusting net tension. However, implementation faces logistical challenges, with specialised teams unavailable for approximately two weeks.
Environmental Impact and Solutions
Wildlife advocates are calling for immediate replacement of the current netting system with wildlife-proof alternatives. The existing nets now contain approximately 50 holes cut during rescue operations, necessitating repairs regardless of any policy changes.
"Get the top two layers down, just for now and put up safe, tight netting," Odgers advocated. "Make it wildlife-proof, and make it visible to them at nighttime."
The incident underscores the critical ecological role of flying foxes in Australian ecosystems. These native mammals serve as essential pollinators for eucalyptus and other native species, with their decline potentially threatening broader environmental stability.
Regulatory Oversight
Queensland Parks and Wildlife officials have visited the facility and expressed satisfaction with the club's response measures. The golf course operates within a nature reserve environment, hosting resident populations of kangaroos, koalas, goannas and various bird species.
Officer emphasised the club's commitment to environmental stewardship: "We're more than well aware of our environmental and community responsibility, so that's why we've done all we possibly can."
The incident highlights the ongoing challenge facing recreational facilities in balancing operational requirements with wildlife protection in Australia's biodiverse landscapes. As urban development continues to intersect with natural habitats, such conflicts require innovative solutions that protect both human activities and native species.