A leading insurance company has identified Orange, Dubbo and Mudgee as among the five most animal collision-prone areas in NSW.
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NRMA Insurance said Dubbo and Mudgee had the highest cases of animal collisions across NSW in 2017 while Orange was at the fifth position with 115 cases in 2017.
In 2016 there were 89 cases in Orange and in 2015 there were 94.
Dubbo saw 197 cases of animal collisions and Mudgee witnessed 143 such accidents in 2017.
An NRMA spokesperson said the animal collision cases usually increase in the months of June, July and August.
Of the total 12,212 animal collision cases recorded by NRMA Insurance in NSW in 2017, almost half (5916) were registered in these three months.
Similarly, 11,081 road accidents involving animals took place in 2016 and more than half (6032) were in the winter months.
“In winter, animals are on the move looking for food at sunrise and sunset and combined with cooler weather conditions and reduced visibility, the chances of hitting an animal are more likely,” the spokesperson said.
“Wildlife is unpredictable and can appear out of nowhere, so it’s important to slow down and be aware of your environment.”
The spokesperson said kangaroos, followed by dogs, wombats, cattle and cats, were mostly responsible for road accidents.
Overall, there was a 20 per cent increase in accidents in the Central West last year.
The accidents figures could be much higher in NSW and Central West as the data was supplied by one of the six insurance companies which are authorised to issue a green slip in the state.
The other two accident area hot spots in NSW were Goulburn and Muswellbrook.
Goulburn recorded 123 accidents in 2017 and Muswellbrook recorded 118 accidents during the same time period.
“Wildlife is unpredictable and can appear out of nowhere, so it’s important to slow down and be aware of your environment.”
If you find a sick, injured or orphaned native animal call WIRES on 1300 094 737.