FLYING foxes have returned to Machattie Park this summer.
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Bathurst had a reprieve in the 2018-19 summer after large numbers of the animals, also known as bats, took up residence in the park in the previous summer.
While flying foxes have made an appearance, acting director of Engineering Services Russell Deans says there aren't as many as there were in the 2017-18 summer.
"There have been limited sightings of flying foxes in the Bathurst region and a small number of those are currently located in Machattie Park," he said.
When they were in the park two summers ago, the animals were considered a nuisance.
A strong odour of urine and faeces hung in the air, and their presence in the trees led to debris being deposited across the park.
The community also held concerns for health, as humans could potentially pick up a virus if scratched or bitten by a flying fox.
In addition to that, there were fears from councillors and the community that they could cause irreversible damage to the trees in Machattie Park.
Mr Deans said that council regularly checks the park to monitor the population.
"Council staff who maintain Machattie Park monitor the flying fox camp on a daily basis as per the Fly Fox Camp Management Plan, which is a requirement of the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Environment and was adopted by Bathurst Regional Council in June 2018." he said.
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If significant colonies of flying foxes establish in any council park or reserve, not just Machattie Park, Mr Deans said council will respond with actions in line with the management plan.
The plan has three levels of actions that council can take.
Last time there were significant colonies in the park, councillors adopted level one actions only, which included cleaning of park furniture, raking up debris and planting habitat along the Macquarie River.
Mr Deans said efforts last year to re-establish habitat proved successful, with 1500 native trees, shrubs and grasses planted along the banks of the river.
Should people see large numbers of flying foxes in Bathurst, they can call 6333 6111 to report the location of the flying fox camp on council land. Colonies in other areas can be reported to the Office of Environment and Heritage.
