There has been a big spike in car accidents with Kangaroos this season.
RAA crash claims involving kangaroos were up 32 per cent in September and October, compared with the monthly average.
Spring time is often a busy time for wildlife carers through the Hills, Murraylands and Fleurieu Peninsula.
Goolwa-based veterinary nurse Kristen Pearce is encouraging motorists to stop if they hit a kangaroo.
“It’s very frightening to hit a kangaroo and you’re never expecting it but it’s just really important to stop, take a breath, stay in your car for a minute. If the kangaroo is on the road, just pop your hazard lights on so you can warn other drivers,” Kristen Pearce said in an ARN radio interview with Adam Connelly and Jennie Lenman.
She says in the past three weeks she has stopped at the same stretch of road in Port Elliot at around 6am to move Kangaroos from the side of the road, in order to try to help prevent more accidents.
She is also urging people to call SAPOL or a local animal welfare organisation for assistance if the animal is still alive or a mother kangaroo has a joey in her pouch.
Local Wildlife Carer Orgs:
- Wildlife Welfare Org SA in Goolwa: 0434 114 628
- SAVE OUR WILDLIFE FOUNDATION INC. (SOWFI): (08) 7120 6610
- Adelaide Hills Wildlife Rescue and Rehab: 0407 615 336
- FAUNA RESCUE SA: 1300 KOALAS
Hear more from Goolwa veterinary nurse Kristen Pearce, speaking with ARN’s Jennie Lenman and Adam Connelly via the audio play window below:
