WIRES advise the public to avoid flying-fox colony at South Creek

In recent weeks, the colony has sparked the curiosity of many locals, due in part to the fact that the animals can be seen flying throughout the day.

WIRES volunteer Desley Prophet told the Gazette: "It is critical to cordon off the area as we don't want the flying-foxes to be disturbed".

"It is birthing season and they are there to roost ... spooking them will cause them to become distressed which will lead to lots of issues, including orphaned babies.

"People should not be entering the area or doing anything that will disrupt the flying-foxes.

"They won't be here for a long time and should move on once the season is over.

"It is absolutely critical that everyone avoids the area and does not disturb the roost."

Despite fears expressed by some on social media that the flying-foxes are destroying the trees around South Creek, WIRES have highlighted their importance to the ecosystem.

WIRES Media representative John Grant said that the Office of Heritage and Environment cited flying-foxes as being among the "best pollinators" in the country.

He said flying-foxes, due to their pollinating abilities, would be crucial to bush regeneration after the event of major fires.

While unable to definitively state why such a large group had formed at South Creek this year, Ms Prophet said WIRES assumed it was due to displacement.

"There has been a lot of drought ... recently up north we have seen large numbers starving and not making it," she said.

"We assume they have come from the camps up north.

"And we can only assume that they are coming for the food source.

"The heat stress situation endangers the species in Queensland ... heat events affect them dramatically.

"That's what is causing them to just drop out of trees."

Ms Prophet said the flying-fox population across Australia had decreased by around 30 percent over the past 10 to 15 years.

She urged locals to be mindful of WIRES general recommendations for dealing with flying-foxes.

"If you see any sick, injured or orphaned then keep your distance, if it's hot then try to provide shade," said Ms Prophet.

"Try to keep any pets and others away.

"Don't try to touch them ... but if you do have any interactions and receive a bite or scratch then seek immediate medical assistance and treatment."

Ms Prophet called the flying-foxes a "vulnerable species".

"They're trying to survive the best they can ... they'll move on eventually."