Koalas and Heat Stress

During hot weather, koalas may show changes in behaviour as they try to cope with the heat. You might notice the following signs:

• Sitting or hugging the base of a tree
• Draping limbs and body over branches to cool down
• Welcoming public attention (please maintain a safe distance)
• Seeking shade in non-eucalyptus trees with better leaf coverage
• Actively searching for water

These behaviours do not necessarily mean the koala needs rescuing. It’s common for koalas to move to lower branches or the ground to cool off naturally.

If you come across a koala in distress you can:

• Offer it a drink from a shallow, weighted bowl. Do not pour water into its mouth, as this could cause respiratory issues.
• A gentle misting over the koala’s head or on the tree above it can also help to cool the animal.
• As the evening cools, a healthy koala will usually return to the higher branches of a eucalyptus tree to feed.

If a koala remains on the ground for an extended period and is drinking large amounts of water, it may indicate a serious underlying health condition. In such cases, please immediately call:

KOALA RESCUE Inc
0474 RESCUE (0474 737 283)

Koalas and Dogs

• Act quickly if you notice unusual dog behaviour near a koala.
• Keep dogs inside or in enclosed areas at night.
• Always keep dogs on a lead in known koala areas.
• Be extra vigilant during koala active seasons (spring, summer, autumn).
• Check areas and trees for koalas before letting dogs outside.
• Teach your dog good recall skills.
• If a koala is attacked, try to contain it under a laundry basket or a box (with a weight on top). If you don’t have a basket or box, a large blanket or towel can be used to carefully contain the koala.
• If you suspect or know that a koala has been attacked, immediately call:

KOALA RESCUE Inc
0474 RESCUE (0474 737 283)

Koalas and Vehicles

• Observe speed limits and koala signage, especially at night when koalas are more active and at higher risk of vehicle strikes.
• Keep a blanket or towel in your car if you need to safely move a koala.
• Be aware that koalas hit by a vehicle might still climb trees and move quickly across the ground. Regardless, they still must be vet assessed.
• If you hit a koala, stop if safe, check its condition, and please call:

KOALA RESCUE Inc
0474 RESCUE (0474 737 283)

Koalas in Backyards

Why koalas enter backyards:

• In search of water, shade, feeding trees, or due to displacement from their usual habitat.

How to help:

• Contain dogs inside.
• Leave side gates open as an exit route.
• Place a length of timber or a ladder against the fence so they can climb out.
• If the backyard is safe, place a shallow container of water near the koala. In a safe backyard a koala can be appreciated and enjoyed!
• If the backyard is unsafe for the koala, please call:

KOALA RESCUE Inc
0474 RESCUE (0474 737 283)

Koalas and Pools

• During hot or dry weather, koalas may seek water and can fall into pools. While koalas can swim, they may drown without an escape route.
• Place a ladder, thick rope, or flotation device in the pool to help the koala exit safely.
• If using a pool cover check it regularly, as koalas can become trapped under a loose cover.
• Any koala rescued from a pool needs urgent veterinary assessment. Please call:

KOALA RESCUE Inc
0474 RESCUE (0474 737 283)