Unfortunately, accidents with wildlife, especially kangaroos, are very common in Australia. Kangaroos, koalas, wombats and possums are nocturnal and are active from dusk and throughout the night. Hitting one can cause extensive damage to your vehicle, as well as severely injuring or killing the animal. Kangaroos are the biggest problem as they move so fast. Wombats also can cause serious damage as they are so close to the ground, which makes them harder to see.
If you hit an animal you are required to report it to the relevant wildlife rescue (see numbers below). You are also required to report it to Travellers Autobarn as an Accident within 24 hours. (see What to do if I'm involved in an Accident).
The nationwide contact is Wildlife Rescue (WIRES) and the number is 1300 596 457, an injured wildlife hotline.
For injured wildlife in and around Canberra, contact RSPCA ACT 02 6287 8100 (during business hours), or WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information and Rescue Education Service) on 1300 094 737. For injured kangaroos in the area, call 13 22 81.
For injured wildlife in NSW: WIRES on 1300 094 737.
For injured wildlife in Brisbane, call RSPCA Queensland on 1300 264 625.
For injured wildlife in Victoria, call Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300.
For injured wildlife in Melbourne, call Warriors 4 Wildlife on 0401 811 937.
For injured wildlife in Western Australia, call Wildcare on 08 9474 9055.
For injured wildlife in Tasmania, call Wildlife Management Branch on 1300 827 727.
For injured wildlife in South Australia, call RSPCA SA on 1300 477 722
For injured wildlife in the Northern Territory, call Wildcare on 08 89 886 121 or 0408 885 341.
If you have any questions, please contact us.