Annual Reports from two national insurance agencies have shown alarming statistics on animal-vehicle collisions in Queensland, prompting concerns for animal welfare.
The data, from RACQ and Suncorp, revealed in 2023 the number of vehicles that collided with animals in Queensland totalled over 5,000 which signified an increase across all regions1.RSPCA Queensland regularly fields calls for assistance from the public relating to animal-vehicle collisions. Animal collision hotspots in Queensland last year included Brisbane, Goondiwindi, Townsville, and Charters Towers2.
Our dedicated Rescue Team and Wildlife Hospital staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure animals are given the best chance of survival.
Take Jay the koala for example, who was hit by a car while crossing a busy Brisbane road. RSPCA Queensland Rescue Officers attended and were assisted by two QFES crews to remove Jay from a nearby tree. Jay was transported to our Brisbane Wildlife Hospital for treatment and rehabilitation, suffering a fractured and swollen cheek. He thankfully recovered from his ordeal and was able to be released back into the wild.
This Short Beaked Echidna suffered beak abrasions and was missing quills after being hit by a car on a highway in Ipswich. After some treatment from our committed staff and volunteers, they were transported to a wildlife carer to continue their rehabilitation journey.
Our metropolitan areas saw a substantial increase in animal-vehicle collision claims, with Brisbane’s north and Ipswich both rising by 40%1 in the past year.
These three Tawny Frogmouths from different walks of life all shared something in common when they were brought into our RSPCA Wildlife Hospital sporting identical left-wing fractures. The trio had sustained their injuries having been hit by cars in different Brisbane suburbs. Following surgical treatments and rehabilitation, the trio were released back into their natural habitats.
This broad-shelled turtle suffered two deep abrasions and a fracture after being hit by a car at Mount Tamborine. Following a surgical procedure and a two-month stay at our Wildlife Hospital to ensure the fracture had healed properly, the turtle was successfully released back into the wild.
The worst day of the week reported for animal collisions in Queensland was Friday with August a peak month for wildlife being hit on our roads2.
We know the dangers of driving at dusk and dawn, and the recent report found the worst time to have a collision with wildlife on the road was between 4.30pm and 8pm2.
Learn more here on how to avoid wildlife while driving.
The crucial work undertaken daily by our expert wildlife and rescue teams is only possible thanks to community support and generous donations. While we strive to deliver professional care for every animal admitted to us, our facilities are functioning well above their capacity and our staff and volunteer resources are stretched.
To safeguard the future welfare of wildlife across Queensland, we must come Together for Wildlife. Will you help us make a difference to all creatures great and small, by donating towards a new, state of the art Wildlife Hospital and Centre of Excellence? Every donation brings us closer to our goal of being able to expand our capacity to care. Make a donation.
Also, remember that if you find a sick or injured animal, contact the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625). Our 24/7 RSPCA Animal Emergency Hotline can offer advice over the phone. Our Rescue Officers may be able to attend via an RSPCA Rescue Unit to rescue the animal, if equipped and in the area.
Sources:
1. RACQ
2. Suncorp
Jacobbe McBride is the Communications & Public Relations Specialist at RSPCA Queensland. He is passionate about animal welfare and sharing stories of the people and animals which make the organisation tick. He produces content for RSPCA Queensland's News & Events page along with regular Blog contributions.
