Motorists are being reminded to be alert behind the wheel as wildlife hospitals prepare for the spring animal road-trauma season.
Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital’s patient admissions triple between August and February, as temperatures rise and animals become more active.
Last year, more than 13,000 animals were presented to Australia Zoo’s hospital with more than 3000 of those injured in road collisions.
Wildlife Hospital practice manager and veterinary nurse Calyce Cross says koalas, kangaroos, possums, lorikeets, tawny frogmouths and pythons are among the animals impacted the most by vehicle strikes.
“Every year, we care for thousands of animals injured by vehicle strikes,” she says.
“These animals often arrive with serious injuries that need urgent treatment and ongoing care, with many facing a long road to recovery.”
RACQ’s Andrew Kirk says motorists should be cautious on roads with surrounding wildlife.
“We want to ensure all Queenslanders, including our furry friends, make it home safely – not only during trauma season but all-year round,” Mr Kirk says.
“As the weather gets warmer, we’re encouraging motorists to avoid driving at dawn and dusk when animals are most active and when your concentration may not be at its best behind the wheel.”
Mr Kirk is encouraging drivers who are on the roads at dawn and dusk to use high beams where appropriate and to drive to the conditions.
“Don’t speed and stay alert for any wildlife in your peripheral vision that might move onto the road,” he says.
“If you do come across an animal, you shouldn’t swerve to avoid a collision as it can put you at greater risk of causing an accident with another vehicle or hitting a roadside obstacle.”
In an animal emergency, call the Australia Zoo Rescue Unit on 1300 369 652.
