Officials are investigating after a kangaroo was shot with an arrow in an incident a wildlife advocate has described as “disgusting” and “horrible”.
The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) confirmed that authorities are looking into the attack – believed to have occurred at Noosa Golf Club last week – and urged people with information to come forward.
Wildlife Noosa founder William Watson was dismayed by the act.
“It’s disgusting. It’s just a horrible situation,” he said.
“The kangaroos at the golf course are semi-tame.
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“People are used to them. They know them and have even named them.
“And the kangaroos are used to people.”
Mr Watson was among those to help the injured marsupial after he received a phone call from course superintendent Scott McComas, who spotted it on Tuesday.
They were unable to locate it not long after, but found it on Wednesday.
Wildcare Australia’s Rachel Lyons sedated the roo – believed to be a young male eastern grey – and they took it to Sunshine Coast Vets at Pomona.
The kangaroo, dubbed ‘Bow’, was promptly treated and returned to the course.
“Hopefully, it’s okay,” Mr Watson said.
“But knowing there are people out there with bows and arrows, who could be hunting, is a bit distressing.”
Mr Watson said he reviewed some security footage and spoke to a person who was in the vicinity at the time, and he believed some youths could be to blame.
He said the incident was reported to the RSPCA and to Crime Stoppers Queensland.
A spokesperson for the DETSI said authorities were examining the incident, and called on people with information to come forward.
“We are investigating reports of a kangaroo that was shot with an arrow in Noosa.”
“We encourage people with information to report it.
“Anyone with information can report it to us on 1300 130 372.”
Kangaroos are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. The maximum penalty is $166,900.
