Flying fox carer Lynda Stevenson explained that residents in Singleton can do some simple things that would help with the relocation process.

“The animals are attracted to the Cocos Palm fruit and if people could remove the fruit or the tree all together the colony would have to search for food elsewhere,” she explained.

For Singleton resident Russell Andrews, removing the fruit from his eight Cocos palms is something that he has had done every year.

“Each hand of fruit weighs any where between 60kg and 80kg and to have all that fruit dropping onto the ground makes a huge mess,” he explained

A bit sceptical of the project herself, Mrs Stevenson believes that every little bit that can be done would help.

“They are wild animals and there can’t be any expectations but by eliminating some of their food sources by netting backyard fruit trees and removing the cocos palm fruit, the project may be more successful,” Mrs Stevenson said.

“I’m a bit sceptical because it has been done in other areas and not been successful, but that doesn’t mean it won’t work here.

“I hope it works.”

The netting of fruit trees needs to be erected properly to prevent any animals getting trapped or caught up in them. It is important to use a knitted mesh that has a maximum mesh size of 40mm and white netting is best as it stands out against the foliage of the tree making it easier for flying foxes to see at night.

The net must be kept taught and can be done by using a frame over the tree to support the netting. Either a box shape or teepee frame made out of PVC pipe, timber, star pickets or stakes will be adequate. Tent pegs or heavy objects can be used to keep the netting tensioned over the frame and clothes pegs or tire wire can stop the netting from sagging. The tension of the netting needs to be checked daily as any animals that may land on it could cause it to sag.

Mrs Stevenson also warns people about trying to release or approach an animal that has been trapped in netting.

“It is extremely dangerous for residents to try and free a trapped animal themselves as they could injure them or be hurt themselves,” she cautioned.

“Not only bats can get caught up in the netting either as birds, possums and snakes also fall victim which is why it is so important to apply the netting correctly.

“If people do find an animal tangled in their netting they need to call the Native Animal Trust Fund 24 hour emergency hotline on 0418 628 483 and a trained volunteer will come and rescue the animal.”