Every year large numbers of our native wildlife end up as roadkill.

A survey conducted by WIRES provided a rough estimate of 7000 animals per day ending up as roadkill, or 2.5 million animals per year.

Animals Australia suggests that motorists can reduce the risk of collisions with animals on our roads by following a few simple rules.

Motorists need to be extra aware of animal movements during dawn and dusk, because that is the time when animals  are most likely to be active. If at all possible, motorists are advised to limit travelling at these times.

If travelling at dawn dusk or at night is unavoidable, Animals Australia recommend that to avoid collisions with animals, motorists use their lights in such a way as to maximise the chance of seeing animals on the road, which is at high beam if over 80km/h or low beam below 60km/h

Apart from the fact that throwing litter out of  car windows is illegal and bad for the environment it can also attract wildlife to the edge of the road, placing them in danger.

If there are indications of wildlife in the vicinity of the road, including signs that advertise their presence, please slow down, and in the case of wildlife on the road, stop and pull over if it is safe to do so.

This will allow the animal time to get to safety.

If motorists hit an animal, or spot an animal killed or injured on the side of the road, it is recommended that they stop and check to see if the animal is still alive.

If the animal is marked with paint it means that it already has been checked by a wildlife carer.

If the animal has survived, motorists can call for help, using the WIRES number – 1300 094 737. If the dead animal is a female marsupial, it is important to check its pouch in case there is a surviving joey.

Finally, if the animal is dead, move its body off the road to make sure that any scavenging  birds or animals are not placed in danger.

Our native wildlife is too precious to be killed on the roads.

Visit www.wires.org.au for more information.

Our mission is to actively rehabilitate and preserve Australian wildlife and inspire other Australians to do the same.