Wallabies

As our city grows, we need to take extra care to help keep our unique Redlands Coast wildlife safe.

During winter, there is a greater risk of wildlife being injured on our roads? Many animals like koalas, echidnas, kangaroos and wallabies are on the move to try to find new homes or mates and it is also the time when our dusk and dawn commutes overlap with these wildlife movements, making poor visibility an issue.

Safe driving around wildlife

 To keep safe and prevent collisions with wildlife:

• Watch for wildlife signs – this a great indicator that animal move around in this area and to stay alert. 
• Reduce your speed – slow down particularly when driving past parks, paddocks and bushland and driving in peak times, (early morning, dusk and at night)
• Stay alert – Drive carefully but be aware of movements on the side of the road to give yourself time to respond.
• Pay attention to the roadside and look out for eye shine 

Watch out for wallabies

There are two species of wallabies that are commonly found on Redlands Coast, the Red-necked Wallaby and the Swamp Wallaby. Grey kangaroos have not been recorded on the mainland, but are common on North Stradbroke Island.

Wallabies are not confined to our rural areas and can be found throughout the city in some urban areas.

High wallaby movement across our roads is influenced by seasonal and behavioural activities. They will often graze on our roadsides and footpaths during winter and in times of drought.The peak movement times for these animals is at dusk and dawn in the winter months and we have a higher mortality on our roads from May to July.

One contributing factor for their high mortality is their erratic and unpredictable movement when disturbed, which can see them land suddenly in front of an unsuspecting motorist.

Wallabies often travel together – if you see a wallaby cross the road, it is likely there are more following.

If you see an animal

If you do see an animal, reduce your speed, dim your headlights if they are on high-beam and sound the horn. Wait for the animal to move away before continuing. Remember, animals might not be alone, and they can behave erratically when threatened – expect the unexpected.

If you do hit an animal

• IF SAFE TO DO SO stop and check if the animal is injured.
• If the animal is injured treat it with caution, respect and care. It may be dangerous so approach carefully or not at all.
• Call the Redlands 24-hour Wildlife Rescue on 3833 4031 for help.
• If your vehicle is not safe to drive due to damage sustained in the collision, stay put and call for assistance.