It’s a moment every Australian driver dreads. One second you’re winding through the scenic Adelaide Hills and the next a kangaroo bounds across the road. While the regions are home to incredible wildlife, that also means the occasional, unfortunate encounter.
So what should you do if you hit a kangaroo or any animal on the road?
Your first priority is always your safety. Once you’ve pulled over safely and checked on everyone in the vehicle, it’s important to assess the situation calmly.
Kangaroos are the most commonly hit animals on regional roads, and while it can be confronting, knowing what to do next can make a big difference.
If you do hit a kangaroo, here’s what to do:
- Ensure your safety
Pull over in a safe spot, switch on your hazard lights and check that you and your passengers are uninjured. - Approach cautiously
Step out of the vehicle only when it’s safe. Injured animals can be unpredictable. Keep your distance and avoid touching the kangaroo. - Check for a joey
If the kangaroo is deceased and appears to be female, check her pouch. If there’s a joey, keep it warm and quiet using a towel or jumper, and avoid handling it more than necessary. - Contact a wildlife rescue service (number at the bottom of this article)
Call a local wildlife organisation or the RSPCA. They will guide you on what to do next and arrange care if needed. - Move the animal if it is safe to do so
If the kangaroo is deceased and you can move it safely off the road to avoid creating a hazard, do so carefully. If not, report its location to police or council services. - Report the incident
If there is damage to your car or the animal is causing a traffic risk, let the police know. It may also be needed for insurance purposes.
A reminder to stay safe on the road! Kangaroo versus driver, 5am, country road. Photo. credit: Barossa Wildlife Rescue
While kangaroos are the most commonly hit wildlife in the regions, they’re not the only ones. If you hit a koala, follow similar steps. Remember, they are strong and can scratch or bite when stressed, so never attempt to handle them directly. Call a rescue service instead.
A snake on the road might slither away after impact, but if it is still alive and injured, absolutely do not go near it. Call a wildlife handler who is trained to manage reptiles safely.
If you hit a bird, possum, echidna or any other small animal and it is alive, gently cover it with a towel or jacket and place it in a secure, ventilated box in a quiet part of your car. Then head straight to a local vet or call a rescue service for advice. If it is deceased, move it only if it is safe to do so and out of the way of traffic.
In South Australia, you can contact Fauna Rescue of SA, local wildlife rescue or the RSPCA for help. They work with trained volunteers who know how to respond and care for injured wildlife.
Encounters like these can be heartbreaking, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference. Whether it is a roo, a sleepy koala or even a bird, our native wildlife deserves compassion and care, even in the worst moments.
So next time you’re heading out into the regions, take it slow, scan the roadsides and stay alert. Wildlife is most active around dawn and dusk, and being prepared can help save lives.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
RSPCA Animal Emergency Hotline: 1300 4 777 22
Fauna Rescue of SA – 08 8289 0896
SAVEM (South Australian Veterinary Emergency Management): 0477 055 233
