THE INCREDIBLE tale of survival of the Logan koala affectionately named ‘Bear Grills’ is being used by Logan City Council in Queensland to urge drivers to slow down during koala breeding season.

The young male koala was hit by a car on Mundoolun Road in Mundoolun and became lodged in the car’s grill as the vehicle travelled to the base of Tamborine Mountain.

The driver contacted Wildcare for assistance when Bear was discovered.

Logan City Council senior environmental project officer Samantha Colbran said Bear Grills was one of the lucky ones who would go on to hopefully live a long and happy life thanks to the efforts of Wildcare, the RSPCA and the Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre.

“I’m pleased to report that Bear Grills is healthy and recovering well after undergoing surgery for a fractured thigh,” Ms Colbran said.

“Bear’s story is a timely reminder for local drivers as we launch our annual Koala Breeding Season Awareness Campaign. We have a shared responsibility for koala conservation and we encourage drivers to slow down and look out, especially at dusk and dawn, when koalas are most active.”

This year’s Logan koala awareness campaign reminds the community that ‘Koalas Count on Us’— particularly during their breeding season.

“This time of year, koalas are on the move in search of a mate or new territory and may be forced to cross roads so drivers need to be extra vigilant,” Ms Colbran said.

“We ask members of the community to take notice of all warning signs in wildlife areas. It is up to each of us to play a role in keeping koalas and all wildlife as safe as we possibly can.”

Bear Grills is recovering well at Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre and is expected to be released in the coming months.

Koala rescue data from RSPCA and Wildcare shows that vehicle strikes were the leading cause of koalas needing help last year in the City of Logan. More than 70% of koalas which ended up on the road did not survive.

As part of this year’s awareness campaign the council is rolling out variable message signs and roadside banners at known koala crossing hotspots and busy rural roads.

#ends