Wildlife Tails

Kangaroos at Little Llangothlin Lagoon

12th Dec 2023

Kangaroos Can’t
Jump Backwards
There will be loads of animals on the move as it’s hot and dry this holiday season.
Keep these few interesting fun facts in mind as you enjoy your travels….
Turtles are on the move when it rains. They are either looking for a new water spot or food, or females might be looking for the perfect spot to lay their eggs. If you see a ‘rock’ on the road, please try and avoid it as it’s likely to be a turtle! If you do see a one on the road and it’s safe to stop to move it on. Firstly ALWAYS hold it away from you, their wee is extremely smelly!! Always keep them moving in the same direction as they are headed and place them well off the road. Don’t try to make them change course or they’ll be back on the road again. Turtles live for 40 – 50 years but can live up to 100 years, keep this in mind when you see one.
Birds will often be on the road ‘cleaning up’ road kill so slow down and give them time to move off the road as they’ll have a full tummy and be slower to move.
Kangaroos and wallabies at dawn are looking for a cool spot to spend the day, and at dusk they are likely grazing. This is why you see them so often at these times. If you are able to avoid travelling at these times please do. Keep in mind that these animals can’t jump backwards! So if you see kangaroos or wallabies by the side of the road slow down, especially if they are facing the road because they’ll take fright and just jump forwards, which ever direction that is. In times of drought kangaroos and wallabies are often by the road as there is no food further inland and the roadside is green as what little rain does fall runs off to the side off the road.
Blue tongues and lizards in general often lie on the road to absorb heat. They just look like a stick so please don’t run over them, they won’t necessarily move out of your way.
Wombats can run up to 40 kms / hour despite their often slow reputation. Look out for them, they can be speedy and do loads of damage to your car and of course to themselves.
Echidnas on the other hand, are much slower so slow down yourselves and allow them to cross the road. Of note, if you run over them the quills will go right through your tyre.
The iFAW Wildlife Rescue app developed by International Fund for Animal Welfare and NSW Wildlife Council. Only applicable for NSW though if you’re travelling it will give you the name and contact details for the local wildlife rescue group. Please load this onto your device before you travel.
If you find a sick or injured native animal in this area, please call us at Northern Tablelands Wildlife Carers…. 1800 008 290.

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