Koalas are critically endangered and efforts are being made by various levels of government, organisations, communities and individuals to protect and support recovery of the population to avoid the threat of extinction.
As koala breeding season begins, our local koalas will be more active, moving around our region over the next few months and into the new year. This increases their risk of injury from both road strikes and dog attacks as they venture out of their usual habitats in search of a mate.
Dog attacks are one of the top threats to our local koala population. In the past 24 years, 444 koalas have been admitted to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital due to dog attacks.
Unfortunately, the chances of successful rehabilitation for koalas injured in such attacks are quite low. This year, we are calling on dog owners to help reduce the risk of injuries to our local koalas.
Take the quiz
In 2023, our Education team launched a campaign focusing on the issue of koala road strikes, encouraging motorists to “Drive with Care, Be Koala Aware.”
This year, we are introducing our “Dog Lovers Care” quiz. The quiz aims to raise awareness of the threat of dog attacks to koalas and encourage dog owners to take positive steps to reduce the risk of their dogs being involved in an incident with a koala.
As a thank you, anyone who completes the quiz is eligible to receive a FREE high-visibility dog leash. The education team will be out and about over the next few months promoting the quiz.
How Can Dog Owners Help Protect Our Koala Population?
Keep control when out and about
Dog owners can take several simple actions to help prevent incidents involving koalas. When walking your dog, it’s important to keep them under control. Using a leash is the most secure way to ensure this and is required in most areas unless you are in a designated off-leash park or dog-friendly beach. Even in off-leash areas, it’s advised to keep your dog leashed if you cannot fully control them. Training your dog to follow commands can also contribute to a safe and enjoyable off-leash experience for everyone.
To understand more about dog owner responsibilities when enjoying time with your dog when out and about in the Port Macquarie region, explore our Dogs Out and About video series.
Use our interactive map
There are many dog-friendly areas where you can exercise your dog off-leash and on leash. These include dedicated dog parks and dog friendly beaches.
You can use our interactive map to see where you can and can’t take your dog.
Making a difference in our own back yard
Koalas may also wander into backyards, either passing through or seeking a food tree. If a koala accidentally enters a yard with a dog, it could lead to a confrontation where both the koala and dog could be injured.
To reduce this risk, consider providing an escape option for koalas, such as a log leaning against a fence, allowing them to leave the yard easily. Additionally, keeping your dog indoors or securely fenced at night can significantly reduce the likelihood of encounters with koalas.
If you have a swimming pool in your backyard, read how you can keep your pool koala-safe!
Dog owner responsibilities
When you are out and about with your dog, please remember your responsibilities:
- Keep your dog on their leash unless you are in a designated off-leash area
- Always supervise your dog and keep it under your control at all times
- Please pick up your dog’s poo in the interests of health, safety, and wildlife protection
- Don’t bring your dog within 10 metres of a children’s playground
Koala Rescue Hotline
If you find a sick or injured koala or if your dog has an incident that involves a koala, please report it to the 24-hour Rescue Line:
