Some consider them pests, especially when large colonies take up residence in suburban areas. It's in this scenario that the creatures can be seen as shrieking, smelly disease carriers.

But there are also those who feel a deep connection with the creatures, considering them an important part of the ecosystem.

Take Judith Hopper, for example.

She told the Newcastle Herald that she found it "a little difficult to breathe" simply talking about the number of flying-fox deaths during the long hot summer.

The Herald's story recounts the efforts of wildlife carers in the region to save hundreds of flying foxes. It also tells how wildlife rescuers estimate more than 25,000 grey-headed flying foxes - which are listed as vulnerable - have died in the Hunter in the past few months due to starvation, dehydration and heat stress.

As has been widely reported, the long hot summer - combined with the drought and bushfires - has taken a heavy toll on many animals.

Rural Fire Service volunteers have won great admiration from Australians for their valiant efforts during the horrific bushfires. Volunteer wildlife carers, too, have been doing a tremendous job.

Australian's extinction rate is among the worst in the world. News about this subject, especially in the past, seemed to be met with a fair amount of apathy.

But the tide may have turned with the alarming pictures and video of burnt and thirsty wildlife during the bushfires and drought.

Compassion for animals is rising.

The suffering in the changing climate of creatures like koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and echidnas is pulling at the heartstrings of many people. It seems that more people are beginning to understand that native wildlife is the proverbial canary in the coal mine.

Nevertheless, it must be said that humans and animals can't always live in harmony. Barking dogs, mosquitoes and the coronavirus are good examples of this.

A balance is needed. Now more than ever humans must pay more attention to striking this balance. The wellbeing of all animals - including humans - is at stake.

ISSUE: 39,541

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