Tragic detail on power lines highlights ongoing issue in Aussie suburb

As dead bats continue to be found hanging from power lines in a densely populated seaside suburb, Aussies are calling for action to be taken from the council and energy providers to prevent further "unnecessary killings".

Last year, Yahoo News Australia reported bat deaths on power lines had increased, according to wildlife volunteers, with a deceased animal spotted in Manly dangling above a road near North Harbour. Now, another bat has been photographed dead at the same Sydney location, with locals claiming the area is becoming known for the tragic sightings.

"It is a shame to see the string of electrocuted flying foxes along the lighting wires lining Commonwealth Parade. This is caused by uninsulated wiring for street lights being strung too close together — which I believe is a council responsibility," a concerned Northern Beaches resident wrote on social media.

"There are Australian Standards that specify distance between power lines to ensure wildlife is not unnecessarily killed," he continued, adding that he had notified council but questioned whether they were the correct authority.

Yahoo News Australia contacted Northern Beaches Council about the bat deaths on that particular stretch of road and a spokesperson told us that responsibility lies with solely with energy provider Ausgrid.

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Ausgrid investigating bat deaths

Ausgrid said it was aware of the issue and would examine the deaths. "Ausgrid is investigating this incident," a spokesperson advised Yahoo. Meanwhile, WIRES revealed bat deaths on power lines "are not uncommon" and tragically, often mothers will die under "horrific" circumstances, leaving pups behind.

"WIRES was called about this but the bat was believed to have been deceased for many hours already," a spokesman told Yahoo News Australia. "A member of Sydney Wildlife was going to check if it had a pup but visual reports indicated it was alone.

"It is not uncommon to see flying foxes, birds and possums trapped on power lines and these rescues are extremely delicate operations, especially if high voltage wires are involved which require the immediate area to be cleared for safety reasons."

WIRES has "always worked collaboratively" with Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and other power companies to "achieve the best possible result" for an entangled or unwell animal, and "we have managed many successful rescues with their help", the spokesman added.

Why flying foxes are important to Australia

While some Aussies become frustrated by the “noise” and “mess” flying foxes can create in suburban areas, most species are now declining in numbers and threatened with extinction.

Climate change and habitat loss because of development are key threats to their demise. Without them, the nation’s old-growth forests will decline because flying foxes are Australia’s only long-range pollinators. Unlike most birds which are territorial, flying foxes can travel up to 50km to feed, spreading genetic diversity of flowering plants as they feed on them.

Because some flying foxes can carry potentially harmful lyssavirus, health authorities advise only vaccinated, trained professionals should handle the animals. Anyone who spots a flying fox in need of assistance is urged to contact their local wildlife group which have volunteers willing to assist free of charge.

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