Driver Awareness 

If you've hit an animal, call WIRES on 1300 094 737

For wildlife rescue assistance you must call 1300 094 737 or fill in the Report a Rescue form. All other forms of contact including Facebook are not monitored for rescues.

Report a Rescue

Protecting Wildlife on the Road

A few extra seconds of caution can help prevent wildlife collisions and keep drivers safer on Australian roads.

Vehicle strikes are one of the biggest threats to native wildlife, especially where habitat has been cleared, fragmented, or divided by roads. Whether you're travelling through regional areas, outer suburbs or bushland corridors, simple actions while driving can significantly reduce the risk to animals and help save lives.

Know when wildlife is most at risk

Many native animals are most active at dawn, dusk and night, when they are feeding or moving between habitats. Risk can increase in winter, when shorter daylight hours mean more drivers are on the road during these low-light periods. 

  • Take extra care at dawn, dusk and night
  • Reduce speed in wildlife-prone areas, especially near bushland, water sources and road edges
  • Watch for animals moving in groups. If you see one animal, others may be nearby.
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Reduce your risk while driving

Staying alert and slowing down gives you more time to react if an animal appears on or beside the road. If wildlife does cross your path, brake safely and keep control of your vehicle.

  • Scan both sides of the road as well as the lane ahead
  • Use high beam when safe and dip your lights for oncoming traffic
  • Slow down where there are wildlife warning signs or visibility is poor
  • Avoid sudden swerving, which can cause serious crashes. Brake firmly and safely instead.

If you hit an animal

If you do accidentally hit an animal, your safety comes first. Pull over when it's safe, turn on your hazard lights and check for traffic before approaching.

  • Call WIRES on 1300 094 737 or a nearby vet for advice
  • Keep a safe distance if the animal is large, alert or mobile
  • Do not offer food or water unless advised by a rescuer or vet
  • Approach the animal carefully, as injured animals may be frightened or defensive.
Report a Rescue

 

Checking for pouch young 

If an animal has died, a joey may still be alive in the pouch or nearby. WIRES can guide you through what to do safely.

  • Check the pouch and surrounding area, as collisions can result in young being thrown from the pouch
  • Keep young animals warm, quiet and secure in a box with a towel or clothing
  • Echidnas and wombats may also have pouch young.

Important: Very small pouch young still attached to a teat should not be removed. Call WIRES on 1300 094 737 for advice before taking action.
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Move deceased animals away from the road

Dead animals can attract scavengers, including birds of prey, which increases the chance of further collisions. If it is safe, move the deceased animal away from the road to help protect other wildlife.

Report a Rescue

Help rescuers respond faster

Accurate location details can help rescuers reach injured wildlife faster. When you call, include as much of the following as you can:

  • Road name and nearest cross street
  • Nearby landmarks, signs or property numbers
  • Direction of travel
  • GPS location if possible or map pin, if available
  • Whether the animal is alive, deceased, mobile or contained.

If you need to leave the area, mark the location safely and share the details with WIRES or the vet you contacted.

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Be prepared before you travel

Before your next road trip, download our Wildlife Road Safety Guide to learn how to stay prepared and protect wildlife on the road.