A MORNING dog walk turned into a wildlife emergency on Friday 27 June, when a local spotted a distressed flying fox suspended from a tree near the Lake Cathie foreshore.
It was entangled in a fishing line with a hook lodged through its mouth and nose.
The witness quickly called Wildlife Rescue.
A concerned FAWNA volunteer was dispatched and launched a challenging rescue mission as the tide crept in.
With the animal dangling four metres above water and four metres from shore, the rescuer, armed with an extension pole and a knife, cut the fishing line and caught the flying fox as it plunged into the water.
“The animal was quite distressed having been hanging for an extensive time with the hook entering its mouth and exiting through its nose,” said the witness, who asked not to be named.
The FAWNA rescuer, who left work to attend the scene, waded knee-deep into the estuary with water-filled boots to secure the injured animal, which was then transported to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital for urgent care.
Flying foxes are listed as an endangered species, and incidents like this can be devastating to their already declining numbers.
“I was quite distressed to witness this episode and urge fishers to be more responsible with discarded tackle,” said the local.
“All attempts should be made to retrieve fishing line from trees and waterways, especially if hooks are attached.”
Port Macquarie News Of The Area understands the flying fox is responding to treatment, thanks to the swift actions and dedication of the volunteers.
By Sis HIGGINS
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