Koalas are undoubtedly one of Australia's most beloved and iconic animals. With their fluffy ears and adorable appearance, they have charmed people worldwide. However, many of us may not be aware of the challenges koalas face during their breeding season.

As we enter the warmer months of spring and summer, koalas in Queensland will embark on their annual journey to find mates and establish new territories. Young koalas will also leave their mothers during this time to find a home of their own.

While koalas are on the move during breeding season, they can be seen crossing roads, navigating backyards, and possibly getting caught in other dangerous situations. This leaves them at higher risk of dog attacks and car strikes as they are spending more time on the ground.

Every year, around 340 koalas are taken into care across the South East Queensland koala hospital network because of car hits alone, 80% of which are fatal. Here are a few things you should know that can help koalas find love safely during breeding season.

The koala breeding season journey

Koala breeding season typically occurs during the warmer months of spring and summer.

During this time male koalas actively seek out females, traveling long distances in pursuit of potential mates. This quest for love means that koalas are often found crossing roads and navigating the various natural and man-made parts of their environments, exposing them to potential dangers.

Male koalas have a distinctive call during breeding season, which can best be described as a 'snore', as he inhales then gives a bellowing roar as he breathes out. On a still night, the call can be heard almost a kilometre away. Females may also produce a similar sound which indicates they are ready to mate.

Listen to an audio clip of a koala.

Koalas are most active between dusk and dawn

Koalas are masterful sleepers, clocking in up to 20 hours of Z’s a day. This constant tiredness comes from their diet of toxic, highly indigestible gum leaves, which require a lot of energy to break down. You can sometimes spot a koala moving during the day but they will usually be sleeping instead, since they are nocturnal.

Koalas have little awareness of the perils posed by busy roads and foreign environments in suburban backyards, and are in even more danger during breeding season, when their activity at night increases. Young koalas are especially at risk as they are still figuring out a new, unfamiliar environment.

That’s why it’s important to be cautious on the road during koala breeding season, especially at night. You can help ensure a koala’s safe passage, or even save their life.

Dogs are one of a koala’s greatest threats

Our beloved and protective canines are unfortunately one of a koala’s greatest threats.

Around 100 koalas are taken to Moggill Koala Hospital, RSPCA, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and Australian Wildlife Hospital every year because of dog attacks. 75% of those koalas will die from their injuries.

A dog doesn’t need to bite a koala to inflict serious damage either. A barking dog can severely stress a koala, which can cause them to be more susceptible to diseases including a Chlamydia outbreak.

You can help keep your neighbourhood koalas safe by keeping your dog inside or contained at night. Most dog attacks happen in backyards at night-time.

If you’re not able to keep your dog inside at night, you can create koala exclusion fencing that will separate the dog from the rest of the yard so koalas can cross without being harassed.

Koala exclusion fencing should be at least 1.5m high and made of solid material (e.g. tin, steel or chainwire with sheet metal attached to the top), with gaps in the fence so koalas can’t grip onto it to climb.

Providing wildlife avoidance training to your dog through the Leave It program can keep both your dog and other wildlife safe. There are numerous dog trainers across South East Queensland who are now certified to deliver Leave It training.

Know where koalas are crossing

During koala breeding season be vigilant and drive at a moderate speed, especially during dawn and dusk. Koalas have little awareness of the dangers of traffic, and they may cross roads without looking while they are on their quest to try find a mate or establish new territory.

Pay attention to road signs that indicate koala crossing areas. Otherwise, you can view koala habitat areas near you by using the interactive koala sightings dashboard through the QWildlife app.