'Horrific' hidden detail in photo of Sydney street's skyline
A Manly resident's encounter with a dead bat has revealed a lesser-known fact.
For city dwellers it's sadly becoming an increasingly common sight — spotting a dead bat hanging from a power line.
With the animals being forced to move towards urban areas, many are witnessing first-hand the difficulties the animals face with high voltage electrical wires. On Thursday, a Manly resident shared a photo of his own encounter to a northern beaches Facebook group.
However, the picture has revealed a lesser-known fact behind why wildlife rescuers urge members of the public to immediately call for help anytime they see a dead bat.
"You can have a live pup on a dead mum," WIRES volunteer Clare told Yahoo News Australia. "We really have to stand underneath in case it loses its grip and falls off".
Adult bats who are zapped by a city's power lines can endure a "horrific" death according to Clare, however, its young can "most of the time" survive, but intervention from authorities is crucial.
Why do bats hang from power lines?
It is believed bats are searching for a resting place after feeding when they come in contact with a high voltage power line.
“Normally if you look below power lines, there’s usually a flowering or fruiting tree," Clare explained, sharing that after a bat is well-fed it will often move somewhere close by to rest before going back for seconds.
WIRES have noticed a rise in the number of power line rescues between the months of November and February as this is "pup season" for bats.
Warning over danger hiding at steps of Byron Bay beach: 'Almost stood on it'
Warning as blue ringed octopus spotted metres from kids at Aussie beach
Who should I contact?
Much like the worried Manly resident, many people are unsure of the best course of action after spotting a dead bat hanging from a power line, however, Clare assured Yahoo there was a simple solution.
"Call your local wildlife group," she said, explaining that teamwork between wildlife rescuers and Ausgrid is required to safely retrieve the animal from the height.
There is no public health risk associated with a dead bat remaining out in the open after it has died, yet it's best for everyone involved to promptly remove it.
"Don’t just leave it and think someone else will do it,” she said.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
