Authorities are warning drivers to slow down after several koalas were hit and killed or seriously injured by cars in and around the Gunnedah area.
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North West Local Land Services (NW LLS) senior officer Angela Baker said three dead koalas had been spotted in the past few weeks on the side of Ghooli and Quia Roads.
“We are urging people to slow down and take precautions in areas where koalas are known to reside,” Ms Baker said.
“Koalas are most active early in the morning and late afternoons but they are also on the move at the moment as it is breeding season. With the weather heating up, they may also be out and about looking for water.
“Please call WIRES for advice on what to do as it could be a breeding female that has a joey in its pouch.”
On Thursday, a male koala was hit on the Ghooli Road by an unknown driver and another driver stopped to help the animal, taking it straight to the Gunnedah Saleyards Veterinary Clinic. The koala had blood on its face where it had been hit and was looked over by the staff who then contacted WIRES.
Gunnedah WIRES volunteer Martine Moran picked up the concussed koala and drove him to the Tamworth Veterinary Hospital where koala specialist Doctor Alison Neef carried out some tests.
At this stage, the koala is known to have a broken finger and minor fractures but more tests will need be carried next week when the swelling on his head has gone down. Mrs Moran said the koala would also be checked for chlamydia.
“I think he’ll probably be in care for a while,” she said. “Potentially he can be released; it depends how his finger goes.”
Mrs Moran said there had also been recent koala deaths on the Oxley Highway but many were preventable if the driver stopped.
“You very rarely ever see a dead koala,” Mrs Moran said.
“They can survive. It’s worth checking.”
Mrs Moran said if it’s not safe to stop call WIRES on 1300 131 554.
