Collisions between kangaroos and motor vehicles around Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges are on the rise.
Latest statistics from Wildlife Victoria recorded 123 collisions at Sunbury in the past 12 months and 100 at Woodend.
Wildlife Victoria spokeswoman Amy Amato said Sunbury and Macedon Ranges were consistently considered ‘hotspots’ for wildlife-vehicle collisions.
“We urge drivers to take caution on the road,” she said. “Recent fire activity may result in an increase of wildlife movements around the region so it’s important to stay vigilant on the roads and keep an eye out for travelling wildlife.”
Ms Amato said Wildlife Victoria’s emergency response service had experienced an increase in reports about animals struck by vehicles in the past few years, with 6824 collisions reported in the year to October – up from 6057 the year before.
“Sadly most reports about wildlife involved in collisions are not from the person who has hit the animal. In this case, it could be deemed an offence to leave the scene and the animal before checking that they and any possible pouch young are okay.”
Ms Amato urged drivers to report incidents right away.
“We have experienced volunteers who can be deployed to the scene to check the animal as soon as possible,” she said. “The welfare of native animals is everyone’s concern and Wildlife Victoria’s duty.”
Eastern grey kangaroos are by far the most common species involved in vehicle collisions in Victoria, Ms Amato said.
