Incredible tale of survival for Logan koala ‘Bear Grills’

Published on 13 August 2025

Logan City Council is urging drivers to slow down during koala breeding season following the incredible tale of survival of Logan koala ‘Bear Grills’.

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 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 percent of koalas which ended up on the road did not survive. 

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

Some 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 wildlife sightings (including deceased animals).

Image: Bear Grills undergoing rehabilitation at the Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre (image via the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation).