Heading out at dawn and dusk the local wildlife, particularly the dominant Wallaby species the Swamp Wallaby found on the local Byron coastline, are vulnerable to being hit by cars.
‘They are often found on the roadsides leading up to the (Byron) Lighthouse,’ said a local spokesperson for WIRES, Sharon McGrigor.
‘They rest during the day in the thick undergrowth and venture out at dawn and dusk to browse on the roadside verges.’
WIRES recently received a distressing phone call from two tourists visiting the Byron
Bay Lighthouse who had accidentally hit and killed a female Swamp Wallaby.
‘After stopping to check the dead wallaby’s’ pouch they realised she had a joey, who was very much alive and luckily uninjured. So they contacted WIRES, and Skippy as she was named, is now in care with a second orphaned joey about the same age. The two little orphans will be reared together and released in about 5 months.’
WIRES are encouraging motorists to report accidents as they are often finding joeys who’s mothers have been killed too late to save them.
‘Please check the pouches of fatally injured wildlife and call WIRES to report accidents,’ Sharon urged.
‘The immediate area must also be checked for a joey that may have been thrown out of the pouch on impact. Skippy’ is lucky that our visitors took the time to check her Mums pouch, and save her life.’
Contact WIRES for rescues, advice or enquiries. You have find them anemone here or The 24-hour hotline is for all calls to WIRES in the Northern Rivers – 6628 1898.
