Parks Victoria is ramping up patrols and surveillance in Yarra Bend Park following a spike in illegal rave parties, which are putting vulnerable grey-headed flying foxes at risk.

Loud noises, flashing lights and dumped rubbish from these unauthorised events are causing high stress and even deaths among Victoria’s largest permanent colony.

Revellers face prosecution if caught organising or attending raves, erecting equipment without a permit or taking vehicles off-road.

The maximum penalty for offenders charged with aggravated cruelty leading to death or serious disablement of a native animal is $96,000 and up to two years in jail.

Authorised Officers suspect organisers are using social media to plan these almost fortnightly events. They are also investigating several reports of illegal and anti-social behaviour, including graffiti left on toilets and barbecues, and piles of rubbish bags and human waste found dumped in the area.

As the weather cools and more Victorians venture outdoors to enjoy the crisp autumn and winter air, it is crucial to respect the wildlife we share our environment with.

The flying fox colony at Yarra Bend Park play a vital role in pollinating and dispersing seed for many native forests across the east coast of Australia. Increased noise, foot traffic or light pollution can interfere with their communication, attempts to forage for food and reproductive success.

The public can help protect flying foxes by minimising noise when walking past the colony, staying on marked trails, and keeping dogs on leads.

They can also report illegal parties and other unlawful activities to Victoria Police on Triple Zero (000). For wildlife emergencies, call 136 186 or use the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s ‘Help for Injured Wildlife’ tool.

Quotes attributable to Brendan Sullivan, Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger:

“If you are involved in planning or attending illegal events at Yarra Bend Park, you may not realise how distressing they are to the native colony of bats that usually thrive here.

It is incredibly distressing for our rangers and dedicated volunteers to observe the colony in stress and find deceased bats throughout the park. These unauthorised events are also impacting how visitors enjoy this wild urban landscape by taking time and resources away from Parks Victoria’s management and conservations programs.

We take a zero-tolerance approach to any actions from visitors that could cause harm or death to native species such as the threatened grey-headed flying fox.”