Animals
Dogs
Rescued Animals
Cat Traps
Problem Animals & Pests
Restricted Breeds
Problem & Pest Animals
Itchy Grubs (Processionary Caterpillar)
During the months of April/May, it is not uncommon to see long processions of what people commonly refer to as “Itchy Grubs” [ochrogaster lunifer], marching head to tail in long processions along the ground as they search for new food sources. These grubs mainly feed on various species of wattle.
They build nests at the base of food source trees or in the canopy. Prior to winter the grubs burrow into the ground and emerge in summer as bag-shelter moths. If you do encounter these grubs, do not touch them as their hairs and the white powdery scale that they produce in nests, can cause dermatitis and allergic reactions such as red swollen skin rashes. For more information on the Processionary Caterpillar, please visit the Australian Insects website.
If you find a nest that is causing a problem in a park or other public area, please contact Council’s Parks Section on 49758100.
Living with Magpies
Peak breeding season for magpies is August to October. When magpies have eggs or young in the nest, they can become protective and may swoop people entering their nesting territory. Residents can minimise the risk of being swooped by watching the bird when entering its territory and wearing a hat or carrying an umbrella. Bike riders should dismount and walk through nesting areas. Birds that pose a significant threat to public safety can be relocated. Residents are requested to report problem birds to Council for assessment.
Residents are advised that the management of aggressive birds on council controlled (or managed) public land is now administered by Gladstone Regional Council's local laws officers.
Historically, the management of any aggressive wildlife was administered by Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (QPWS) officers. However, QPWS recently advised Council that it does not have a statutory responsibility to remove problem wildlife from Council parks, roads or any other public place.
Before any birds are trapped, Council must obtain a "Damage Mitigation Permit" for the removal and relocation of wildlife; namely magpies. Council's Local Laws Officer and Patrol Officer recently completed a training session run by QPWS, which allows them to carry out an assessment, trap and relocate a problem bird. Each individual case will be assessed on its merits, and a decision to relocate the bird will be based on this assessment.
Council recognises that it has a duty of care to our community to minimise the risk of any problem wildlife in public areas, and asks residents who are experiencing problems with aggressive magpies on council controlled (or managed) public land to contact Council's Animal Control Section on (07) 4970 0772 or email, to report the location.
The QPWS also has a fact sheet about Living with Magpies, visit their website for more information.
Living with Possums
Removing a possum from your roof
In their natural environment, possums usually live in tree hollows but with the loss of native bushland many of these natural homes have been destroyed. Being highly territorial, possums do not relocate easily and so they sometimes seek safe shelter in your roof. Under QLD legislation a possum can be trapped if the person has a damage mitigation permit to remove and relocate the possum. However a trapped possum must only be moved a maximum of 25m.
Please note: Council does not issue cat traps for the purpose of trapping possums. Possums are a protected native animal and a permit is required for trapping.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service's Gladstone office on 4971 6500 or visiting their website.
Living with Flying Foxes
Flying foxes are migratory animals that follow seasonal food sources and are protected by legislation. In the past, Council has applied to the EPA for damage mitigation permits to relocate the animals to alternative roost sites away from homes. Flying Fox carers are available in the local area.
For more information about Living with Flying Foxes, visit the QPWS website.
Living with Snakes
If you find a snake in your home you should contact Kris Foster (commercial snake catcher) 0407372895 who will relocate the snake to a safe place. You can also call the EPA Hotline 1300 130 372. Along with all Australian animals, snakes are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and cannot be killed or taken from the wild. The best approach is to snake-proof your house.
For more information about Living with Snakes, visit the EPA website.
Wild Dogs, Foxes & Feral Pigs
Council usually offers rural property owners the opportunity to participate in 1080 baiting campaigns to control wild dogs and feral pigs on rural lands in the Shire. These campaigns are generally conducted in June (early Winter) and again in Spring (mid-late October). To register for an upcoming baiting program, please visit our 1080 page or Contact Council's Environment & Regulation Officer Tania Jeffs on 4974 6220.