Dead native animals on our roadsides is a sad sight. Accidents happen, but there is a responsibility on drivers in relation to wildlife.
I recently found a swamp wallaby dead on the side of the road at Broken Head and what was shocking was that there was still a joey in the pouch.
I extracted a very young wallaby from the pouch, still without fur, eyes closed and only 12cm long. I immediately rang WIRES and, within 20 minutes, a carer arrived to take the animal away for experienced care. The chance of survival isn’t good but worth a try.
We live in an ecologically significant area and sometimes animals appear quickly and accidents happen, but please take responsibility and check the animal, call WIRES 6628 1898 or Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers on 6628 1866; both the phones are 24 hours.
Huge appreciation to all the volunteers; they deserve support – check out their websites. Keep the phone numbers in your car, get a sticker or put the numbers in your mobile. Please, drive carefully and slowly in vegetated areas.
Jan Barham
Broken Head