Severe Hailstorm Injures Nearly 120 Flying Foxes in Queensland

A devastating hailstorm that struck the small Queensland town of Esk over the weekend left nearly 120 flying foxes severely injured, highlighting the vulnerability of native wildlife to extreme weather events. The bats, caught defenseless in their roost during the storm, sustained serious injuries including broken wings and facial trauma from the large hailstones.

Wildlife rescue volunteers quickly mobilized to collect the injured animals, transporting them to the RSPCA wildlife hospital in Wacol, located in Brisbane’s southwest. Hospital staff reported treating bats with “faces that were smashed and broken wings,” indicating the severity of the hail impact on the colony. Many of the flying foxes are in critical condition and require intensive care.

This incident underscores the increasing threat that severe weather events pose to Australian wildlife. Flying foxes, which are important pollinators and seed dispersers in Australian ecosystems, are particularly vulnerable during extreme weather as they roost in exposed locations in trees. The mass casualty event at Esk demonstrates how climate-related weather extremes can devastatingly impact entire wildlife populations in a matter of minutes.

The RSPCA wildlife hospital’s response reflects the crucial role of wildlife rehabilitation centers in conservation efforts. As Australia continues to experience more frequent and intense weather events, such facilities become increasingly important for protecting native species and maintaining biodiversity during environmental crises.