Unfortunately, many native species lose their life on our roads. Animals are not aware of the road rules, become startled by the noise of traffic and the lights, and end up as another statistic. However, depending upon the injury, they may still need vet care, even if it is just to be euthanized. Again, with a large creature like a kangaroo, contact the R.S.P.C.A. wildlife hospital or a local vet, if the animal is still alive.
If you come across a deceased animal on the road, please stop and check if the animal is male or female. Female animals may well have a joey in the pouch, and depending upon its size, it may well be viable to raise and release.
If the baby is a ‘pinkie’ (no fur, pink skin, eyes still closed), and is still attached to the teat – DO NOT REMOVE IT! To remove a pinkie baby, the teat must be cut from the dead mother, and a safety pin or paper clip pushed through the teat to prevent the baby from swallowing it. Do not try to remove the teat from the joey’s mouth – they will spit it out in their own time. Pulling a joey off a teat is a certain death sentence.
The teat is attached to the palate, and a joey can still be fed around an attached teat. If you feel unable to remove the baby, call Rachel Aspinall (0407 881 008) to remove the little one. Alternatively transport the animal to AZWH or RSPCA Eumundi for assistance.
