Kill Your Speed This Easter - Not Our Wildlife

Wildlife veterinarians are calling on holidaymakers to kill their speed and keep a watchful eye out to stop the slaughter of Australian native animals on the roads this Easter. “It’s really important that drivers kill their speed over the Easter break, not only for their own safety, but also for the sake of native Australian species,” said Dr Anne Fowler from the Australian Veterinary Association. Each year millions of animals are killed, injured or orphaned on Australian roads, with whole populations of endangered species under threat from vehicle strikes in some areas. “Wild Australian animals such as kangaroo, wombats, wallabies, and emu are the main victims, but many of our endangered native birds and reptiles are also killed,” said Dr Fowler. These deaths and injuries can easily be avoided by motorists reducing their speed (especially at night) and staying alert to the presence of animals on the road. Nationally around 5.5 per cent of all serious road accidents involve animal strikes, with many thousands more going unreported. In NSW alone around 9000 serious accidents involving animal strikes are reported each year. “There are a number of things that drivers can do to prevent injury or deal with injured animals that they find on the road,” said Dr Fowler. “Firstly, and most importantly if you do hit an animal or come across an injured animals on the road, make sure it’s safe before you stop to assist. “If you are unable to stop and assist try to take note of the position of the animal and contact your local Wildlife carer group or a local vet for assistance,” said Dr Fowler. Other things to remember:

• Don’t litter – as this attracts wildlife to the road and the roadside where they are in more danger of being struck.
• Slow down at night – the majority of road kill happens between dusk and dawn when nocturnal animals are active.
• Take note of road signs – these will often highlight areas where wildlife-vehicle collisions have happened in the past.

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