Bats play a role in pollination, seed dispersal and insect population control. The City of Whitehorse is fortunate to have both flying foxes and micro bats living amongst us. Some of the bat species that live in Whitehorse include the Grey-Headed Flying Fox which visits from their roosts along the Yarra River Corridor, Gould’s Wattled Bat and the Lesser Long-Eared Bat which have trees and crevices as their habitat.
Flying-Foxes or Fruit Bats fly for many kilometres each night in search of seasonably available fruit. If they visit your garden at night it is likely that something is producing fruit or berries. The bats might be noisy and they are likely to defecate and this can cause people distress but remember, it will be a short lived visit. Fruit Bats droppings can be messy so cover or move any items of value such as garden furniture or trampolines that may be under fruiting trees. Make a note in your diary, these clever animals will remember to return at the same time next year.
Creating a Bat-friendly Garden
For more information about making your garden a haven for bats, download the Bats information sheet ( PDF 927.86KB).
Rabies lyssavirus (RABV) and Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV)
Rabies lyssavirus (RABV) and Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) are viruses carried by bats that affect the central nervous system and can cause severe disease leading to death in a broad range of mammals, including people.
Members of the public should not handle bats.
Instead, contact trained wildlife carers or DEECA wildlife officers for assistance.
To contact a local wildlife service, refer to DEECA’s Wildlife Victoria webpage, which includes a Help for injured wildlife toolkit, or call the DEECA Customer Service Centre on 136 186.