WARNINGS have been issued about the potential dangers of backyard pools after a koala drowned at a home on the Gold Coast on Sunday, February 3.
The female koala was found at the bottom of the pool in Arundel by the homeowners.
Koala Action Group president Debbie Pointing said the recent spell of hot, dry weather meant koalas lingering around pools were likely to be seeking a drink.
“They have no trouble getting in, but it’s getting out that is the issue for them,” Ms Pointing said.
“Pools can be slippery and koalas often can’t get a grip.
“Although they can swim, they might drown from exhaustion.”
She added that in the past— when local koala numbers had been much higher and large numbers of homes with pools were being developed around the Redlands— koalas falling in pools had been a much bigger issue, but people still needed to be mindful of the problem.
Ms Pointing recommended placing a piece of board across the shallow end of the pool or attaching a flotation device in the pool to a piece of sturdy rope so koalas had a means of escape.
“The best thing to do is to provide something for koalas to grip on to,” Ms Pointing said.
She added that the greatest threat to koalas in back yards was pets being loose at night, but said all protective actions residents could take were encouraged.
“Putting your pets in at night and providing flotation devices in the pool are simple things we can all do to make sure koalas are as safe as possible,” she said.
Report sick or injured koalas to Redlands Wildlife Rescue on 3833 4031.
For more information about the Koala Action Group or to report a koala sighting, visit their website at koalagroup.asn.au.
