Driver Awareness 

Unfortunately, land clearing, habitat fragmentation, and poor planning have made roads one of the biggest threats to our wildlife. While we understand that driving is often necessary, here are a few important things to keep in mind:
  • Please drive with caution on both regional and urban roads where native animals may be present. It is especially important to be vigilant and very aware in the early mornings, late afternoons and through the night when many native animals are out and about.
  • In winter when there are less hours of daylight many of us travel more in the low light times of dusk and dawn which is when many native animals are most active.
  • If you do accidentally hit any animal please stop whenever it is safe to do so and always check the pouch and the nearby area for young animals. Read our Driver Brochure to find out how to be prepared. Always approach any animal with care as injured animals will be very scared and may lash out. If you do find a young animal in a pouch it will need to be kept warm and quiet until you can call WIRES 1300 094 737 or a nearby vet for help. Remember echidnas and wombats also may have pouch young and collisions can result in very young animals being 'thrown' from the pouch so it is important to check the surrounding area as well as the pouch.
  • Very small pouch young who are still on the teat should not be removed before contacting WIRES 1300 094 737 for further advice and guidance.
  • If you do accidentally hit any animal, please stop your car carefully and safely and check to see if the animal requires emergency assistance.
  • Dead animals can attract scavenger animals towards the road to feed and increase the chances of more collisions. You can reduce this risk where it is safe to do so, by moving the dead animal even a few metres away from the road.
  • It can sometimes be difficult or unsafe in some circumstances for cars to stop and for drivers to check pouches themselves. WIRES volunteers can check the animals if we are notified, so please put our rescue number in your phone 1300 094 737.

Calls to our rescue line continue to increase and every animal saved is vital to our environment. If you wish to donate your gift will be used to rescue, rehabilitate and release native animals and give them a second chance of life in the wild.