About flying foxes
Flying foxes (also known as fruit bats) are native Australian mammals. There are four species that are native to mainland Australia, three of which visit the Southern Downs region:
- Little red flying fox
- Grey-headed flying fox
- Black flying fox
All flying fox species and their habitats are protected under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992.
Flying foxes are highly social and nomadic animals. They play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by pollinating native forests and dispersing seeds over long distances. This contribution supports biodiversity, landscape resilience and environmental health.
Flying foxes are nocturnal - sleeping in trees throughout the day, flying out at dusk to search for food and returning to the trees again near dawn. The trees that flying-foxes sleep in and use for breeding are known as roosts.
For more detailed information, visit the Queensland Government flying foxes webpage.
Flying foxes in the Southern Downs
Flying foxes are an important part of our natural environment, but living near them can be challenging. There are currently three known flying fox roosts within the Southern Downs region:
- Dalrymple Park, Allora
- McCahon Bridge Park, Warwick
- Gleeson Park, Stanthorpe
These roosts are most commonly occupied between October and April, although recent years have seen smaller numbers remaining over winter in Allora and Stanthorpe.
Flying foxes are nomadic and roost locations and numbers change over time.
Injured or distressed flying foxes
Do not touch flying foxes.
If you find a sick, injured or orphaned bat, contact:
Council is not able to collect injured or dead flying foxes from private property.
Flying foxes and your health
Flying foxes can carry viruses that may be harmful to humans if there is direct contact. The risk to people is very low when flying foxes are not handled.
A small percentage of flying foxes carry Australian Bat Lyssavirus which can be contracted by being bitten or scratched by an infected flying-fox. In addition, flying foxes carry Hendra virus, which may be transmitted through horses to humans.
If you are bitten or scratched:
- Wash the wound immediately with soap and water for at least five minutes
- Apply an antiseptic (iodine or alcohol-based)
- Seek medical advice straight away (even if vaccinated)
- Check your tetanus vaccination status
If flying fox saliva or blood enters your eyes, nose or mouth, flush the area with water and seek medical advice immediately.
For more information, please visit Queensland Health and Biosecurity Queensland websites.
Living near flying foxes
For many people, flying fox roosts are challenging to live with. Noise, odour and droppings can be frustrating, particularly when a roost is close to homes or public spaces, and it can affect how people feel about enjoying their property. Council recognises that these impacts are real and upsetting for some residents.
Historically, flying fox roosts were often separated from residential areas by larger areas of bushland and open space. Over time, land use has changed and those natural buffers have been reduced or fragmented. As a result, flying foxes now rely more on remaining patches of trees in towns, parks and along waterways for daytime roosting.
Flying foxes are also attracted to areas with tall trees, nearby water and reliable food sources, which is why roosts sometimes occur on or near larger residential properties.
If you have a roost on or near your property, it is understandable to feel overwhelmed or frustrated. While the instinct may be to want the flying foxes moved on, it is important to understand that flying foxes are protected wildlife and that many management actions are restricted. Learning more about their behaviour can help explain why they have chosen a particular site and what options are available to reduce impacts.
Simple steps can help minimise day-to-day impacts, including:
- bringing washing in before sunset
- parking vehicles under cover where possible
- avoiding disturbance of roost trees, as stress can increase noise
- using wildlife-safe netting to protect fruit trees
While flying foxes and their roosts are protected under Queensland conservation laws, these laws also allow property owners to take certain actions to reduce nuisance impacts on private land. Landholders can access information about appropriate and lawful management options on the Queensland Government website.
For more information about living near flying foxes, download Council's Flying-Fox Management Fact Sheet (PDF 1.4MB).
Council's role
Flying foxes are wild animals that move in response to food availability, seasonal conditions and weather. Their choice of roosting and feeding locations cannot be controlled or reliably predicted.
Council’s role is to:
- Monitor flying fox activity at known roost sites. Ongoing monitoring provides Council with reliable data to inform decision-making, refine management actions and ensure the Flying Fox Management Plan remains responsive and effective. Provide clear, evidence-based information to the community
- Manage roosts in accordance with State and Federal legislation
When flying foxes are present, Council officers monitor:
- Species present
- Roost size and activity
- Presence of dependent young or breeding behaviour
Council has adopted a Flying Fox Management Plan, which aligns with Queensland Government requirements and approved codes of practice.
For more information, or to report a new flying fox roost, please contact Council on 1300 697 372.
Information about the Quart Pot Creek roost
Updated 20 January 2026
There is currently a flying fox roost located along Quart Pot Creek in Stanthorpe. Council is managing this roost in accordance with its adopted Flying Fox Management Plan.
Council’s approach aims to balance:
- Ecologically sustainable management
- Protection of community health and amenity
- Legal obligations relating to protected wildlife
Current actions include:
- A structured monitoring program to gather reliable data to inform decision-making
- Community education through digital and print channels
- Ongoing engagement with nearby residents
- Seeking State Government funding to help minimise conflict between roosts and residential area
For more information:
- Contact Council on 1300 697 372.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flying foxes are large native bats that feed on nectar, pollen and fruit. All flying foxes in Australia are native and have been part of local ecosystems for millions of years.
Flying foxes are found along much of eastern Australia, typically roosting in forests and along waterways. Three species occur in the Southern Downs. Roost locations can change depending on food availability and seasonal conditions.
Flying foxes feed mainly on nectar, pollen and fruit from native trees such as eucalypts, melaleucas and banksias. They may also feed on fruit from garden or orchard trees, which can sometimes lead to conflict with people.
Flying foxes are essential pollinators and seed dispersers. A single flying fox can spread thousands of seeds in one night, helping forests regenerate and remain resilient to threats such as drought, fire and climate change.
Flying fox populations have declined due to habitat loss, heat stress and climate change. They are protected under Queensland law, and the Grey-headed Flying fox is listed as vulnerable under Commonwealth legislation.
Flying foxes are social animals. Noise is most noticeable at dawn and dusk when they return from or leave the roost. Smell comes mainly from males marking territory during breeding season and is often stronger in hot or humid conditions.
A small percentage of flying foxes carry Australian Bat Lyssavirus, which can only be transmitted through a bite or scratch. Flying foxes may also carry Hendra virus, which is spread to humans via horses — not directly from bats. No contact = no risk.
Like birds and other animals, flying fox droppings can enter rainwater tanks. If rainwater is used for drinking, first-flush diverters and appropriate filtration are recommended. Contact Council’s Environmental Health Officers for advice on 1300 697 372.
Do not touch it. Call the RSPCA on 1300 264 625. Dead flying foxes in public places can be reported to Council. Council does not collect deceased animals from private property.
Relocating or dispersing flying fox roosts is complex, expensive and often unsuccessful. Studies show most dispersal attempts fail or simply recreate the problem in a new location. For this reason, management focuses on monitoring, education and minimising impacts, in addition to long-term relocation plans.
No. Lethal control of flying foxes is not permitted. Only non-lethal management methods are allowed under Queensland law.
Council manages flying foxes under its Flying Fox Management Plan, which aims to:
- Meet legal and environmental obligations
- Liaise with impacted residents
- Avoid transferring impacts to other areas
- Improve understanding and communication
Useful links