A NEW generation of koalas is stepping out into the world, with young dispersing to find their habitat before breeding season begins.
Redland City Council issued a warning to residents and motorists, with mayor Karen Williams saying koalas were likely to pop up in unexpected spots.
"Often mistaken for lost joeys, these young koalas are usually about 18 months old and leaving their mothers' territories in search of their own," Cr Williams said.
"As they make their way in the world, they will travel through bushland, backyards and across roads."
Koala Action Group president Debbie Pointing said young koalas could do unpredictable things when trying to find their home territory.
"We hear about them being on top of fences in urban areas, in palm trees or banana trees, even on the upright posts of verandas," she said.
"It's not an everyday thing but it can happen."
If people find a koala in their yard, they should secure their pets, open gates or put a post against their fence to enable the koala to get to the other side.
Ms Pointing said if they were concerned for the koala's welfare - if it was in danger, sick or injured - people should call Redlands Wildlife Rescue on 3833 4031.
"If they're on the ground and they seem unable to climb, that's a real alarm bell," she said.
Ms Pointing said koalas on the move highlighted the importance of wildlife corridors around the Redlands.
"They don't always stay in (the corridors), but it shows how important protecting them is so they can move safely around the Redlands," she said.
Division 1 councillor Wendy Boglary said it was important to highlight the protection of these pathways for wildlife, including the Wildlife Connection Plan.
How you can help young dispersing koalas:
- Let them continue on their way without interference, as your "help" can confuse them and lead to unexpected danger.
- Keep your distance and confine or restrain you dogs at night to allow safe movement.
- Make your backyard more koala friendly by putting a wooden pole or ladder against your fence so they can continue on through and a floating water aid in your pool so they can climb out if they fall in.
- When driving, slow down and be alert to wildlife movement from road sides.
- If you are worried about the health or welfare of any koala phone the Redlands 24-hour Wildlife Rescue Service on 3833 4031.
For more information on local koalas, including how to spot a sick or injured koala, visit redland.qld.gov.au/koala
Have you seen a koala recently? Send us your photos.
