It is rare to drive around the mountain and not come across at least one animal killed or wounded by a car in a week.
Data from AAMI found 41 per cent of Australian drivers have hit an animal and winter is one of the major times with low light conditions.
Tamborine Mountain Wildcare volunteer Heidi Cuschieri describes winter as trauma season and said she can get an average of four vehicle strike call outs a week during this time.
“But sadly, a large percentage of animals that are hit by cars aren’t ever reported,” Heidi said.
“I’ve lost count of the number of deceased native animals I have pulled off the road that I just happen to be driving past myself and have seen.
“It’s so disheartening that hundreds of cars would have driven past that precious wallaby, possum, bandicoot or kangaroo and not one motorist took a few minutes out of their day to care to call to report it so it could be checked for a joey.
“There are some wonderful and beautiful people that do care to make the call, but they are the minority.”
Liz Miller senior Wildcare officer said it’s proven even just slowing down by 10km an hour helps save wildlife.
She said when the speed limit on a road in Currumbin was reduced by 10km at certain times the number of koala deaths dropped to zero.
“It works. Slowing down between the hours of 6pm and 6am makes one heck of a difference,” Liz stressed.
“Most people know, particularly with macropods, they are hit when people are travelling to and from work, particularly in winter when the days are short.
“Most people also know where those spots are (where kangaroos and wallabies are), so just be aware they are in that area.
“It may not be your fault if you hit one. Kangaroos can make some weird choices and literally just jump into the side of your car at the last minute. Even when they look like they are going to the opposite way.”
Liz said if you do hit an animal you should pull over when it’s safe to do so and call Wildcare.
“Have the number stored in your phone,” she said.
“No one ever judges anyone for hitting an animal we are just grateful you pulled over.
“Please stay with the animal and we will get help there as soon as we can. The minute you take your eyes off the animal it will do everything it can to get itself to safety.
“In the Scenic Rim we can get a rescuer there very quickly.”
She said the animal has passed away it should be moved off the road if safe to do so and checked to determine sex.
Liz said if it is a female with a joey and you know how to safely remove it do so and take it to a vet or Wildcare. Alternatively wait for Wildcare to arrive.
Wildcare operates 24 hours a day seven days a week and can be contacted on 5527 2444.
