Possum death highlights need to share our shores

THE Barwon Coast Share our Shores program aims to create awareness that beaches and coastal areas are for all types of users, including wildlife.

A recent violent incident highlights that wildlife are often not considered by other users.

Barwon Coast Manager community liaison and education Maddie Glynn said it was extremely disheartening to deal with an uncontrolled dog that was seen brutally killing a Brush-tail Possum and carrying its prize along the beach.

“This could have been easily prevented had the person responsible for the dog, kept it close by and under effective control,” Ms Glynn said.

“Some people would say, it’s just a Brush-tail Possum.

“However, due to old trees being removed from the landscape, housing development and people displacing possums from their private residence, these nocturnal animals are left to roam during
the day, becoming vulnerable, stressed and open to attack by dogs and cats.”

Ms Glynn said the coastal strip was home for these creatures and many more, but it wouldn’t be if people continued to think that it was there purely for the enjoyment of themselves and domestic pets.

“We must all work together to learn to Share our Shores,” she said.

“This is a timely reminder for those who use our beaches to come along to a free workshop to gain further understanding on how we can share our shores, what to do in the event of an incident and how to keep yourself, your family and our wildlife safe.

“We can co-exist and have the best of both worlds, we just have to be aware of our local wildlife that relies on the coast for their very existence and be responsible.”

To register your attendance to the Beach Harmony Workshop on November 24, email [email protected] or go to trybooking.com/YDTD.