Wallabies in the sights of Bay of Plenty officials

The regional council wants people to report any sighting of wallabies. Photo / iStock

Wallabies are in the sights of Bay of Plenty officials.

The regional council wants people to report seeing the marsupial pests before they can become established in new areas.

The call comes after sightings in Ohiwa, Opotiki, Whakatane and Papamoa.

The council sent out a contractor with a dog trained to sniff out wallabies.

Two sightings were recent and successfully dealt with but, where the information wasn't immediately reported, no signs of wallabies was found.

"It's really important for people to report wallaby sightings to us as soon as possible," said council biosecurity manager Greg Corbett. "Our chance of dealing with these animals is much greater if we can get a dog on site before the scent trail goes cold."

Wallabies are listed as a containment pest in the Bay of Plenty Regional Pest Management Plan and are unwanted organisms in the Biosecurity Act, which means it is an offence to move or release them.

They cause significant damage to native bush by feeding on native seedlings, ferns and grasses.

They can also cause problems for forestry and farming by feeding on pine and eucalyptus seedlings and competing with stock for pasture.

Once established in native bush, wallabies feed on seedlings, altering the species composition and ultimately depriving native birds and animals of food and shelter.

The council is also concerned hunters may be shooting female wallabies and taking the joeys home as pets.

"This is an offence," Mr Corbett said.

"People keeping wallabies as pets may also contribute to their spread as the animals have a nervous temperament and a strong drive to escape from captivity."

Wallabies are grey/brown in colour, with adult animals having a paler grey underbelly. Females weigh up to 5.5kg and males up to 7kg.

Sightings can be reported by calling 0800 780 773.