SOMETHING TO BEAR IN MIND THESE HOLIDAYS
THE staff at Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary know all too well the terrible toll road accidents take on our wildlife.
That’s why the Ocean Grove sanctuary has added its voice to calls for drivers to be extra vigilant over the holiday period, particularly on country roads.
Director Tehree Gordon urged anyone who hits an animal to stop, phone for help or take the injured creature to the nearest vet.
“Kangaroos, wallabies, possums and koalas are the animals to be aware of around the Geelong region,” she said.
“Waurn Ponds is susceptible to kangaroo and wallaby road hits, while koalas have been more frequently sighted around Belmont and Highton.”
The RACV says drivers should slow down and scan the roadside, while experts from the University of NSW say animal collisions may play a much greater role in accidents than most people realise.
The new research also suggests that swerving to miss animals often results in hitting roadside obstacles, such as trees and poles.
Wildlife Victoria received more than 6000 reports of seriously injured animals in 2016 due to vehicle collisions.
The Wildlife Victoria emergency response service can be contacted on 8400 7300, and Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary can be reached on 5254 2484.