Koala's incredible survival tale

He is a survivor, a fighter, and has highlighted his plight to thousands on television and social media – and he is a cute koala from Logan.

Hit by a car and then travelling for 5 kilometres while trapped in the vehicle’s grill before the driver discovered him, this 4-year-old male koala was given the quirky name of ‘Bear Grills’. It is in recognition of the adversity he has overcome, and his adventurous tale being as harrowing as the experiences undertaken by the famous UK survivalist Bear Grylls.

This iconic Australian animal may be an endangered species in Queensland, but that didn’t help Bear the day he decided to cross Mundoolun Road around dusk, in Mundoolun a few months ago.

The car drove to the base of Tamborine Mountain and once the driver found Bear was trapped, they contacted Wildcare for assistance.

ABOVE: The X-ray showing Bear’s broken leg.
Image courtesy of RSPCA Queensland.

Chair of the Logan City Council Environment Committee, Councillor Miriam Stemp, says it broke her heart to hear that Bear had to go through such an ordeal.

‘But thanks to the efforts of Wildcare, the RSPCA and the Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre, hopefully he will go on to live a long and happy life,’ Cr Stemp says.

‘It’s great news that Bear is recovering well after his surgery to repair a fractured femur,’ she says.

Bear Grills recovering after receiving treatment for his injuries. Image courtesy of RSPCA Queensland.

‘With the launch of the Koala Breeding Season Awareness Campaign, Bear’s accident is a reminder for all motorists to slow down on our roads, especially at dusk and dawn, be extra vigilant and keep an eye out for koalas and other wildlife.

‘If you suspect you may have hit an animal, stop your vehicle if it is safe to do so, check the animal and call RSPCA Ambulance or Wildcare,’ she says.

The Koala Breeding Season Awareness Campaign asks members of the community to take notice of all warning signs in wildlife areas, known koala crossing hotspots and busy rural roads.

Bear Grills is expected to be released from the Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre in the coming months.

His ordeal has highlighted the plight of koalas injured by vehicles, and his incredible tale has been told on television news and shared across social media channels.

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 per cent of koalas which ended up being involved in road accidents did not survive.

Extra tips for the community include:
• Give koalas the time and space to travel safely to their new mate.
• Watch for wildlife signs and be cautious around corners, crests and areas with roadside vegetation.
• Take extra care in rural and semi rural areas.
• If you see a koala on the road, slow down, sound your horn and dim your lights.
• If an animal is injured call RSPCA Ambulance on 1300 ANIMAL or Wildcare on 5527 2444. Early intervention can make all the difference.
• If safe to do so, alert oncoming traffic to slow down, usher the koala off the road and keep an eye on it until help arrives.
• Report all wildlife sightings (including deceased animals) via Council’s website: logan.qld.gov.au

For more koala tips go to: lccqld.com/koala

PHOTOS AT TOP: Bear Grills recovering after receiving treatment for his injuries. Image courtesy of RSPCA Queensland.