WIRES CEO Leanne Taylor implored local motorists to please slow down during the coming months as the not-for-profit native animal rescue organisation prepares for the dramatic increase in roadside animal fatalities that occurs every winter.

As the days are shorter, the number of peak-hour cars on local roads at dawn and dusk increases significantly. 

Unfortunately the extra traffic also coincides with nocturnal native animals crossing roads and highways in their search for food and water. 

“Last year WIRES was called to assist nearly 7,000 kangaroos and wallabies and over 800 wombats, with the majority either killed or injured due to vehicle collisions,” Ms Taylor said. 

“Many of these animals were carrying joeys which we then hand-raise thanks to the goodwill of our dedicated volunteers.”

According to Ms Taylor depending on their age, joeys can be in care for up to 18 months with ongoing care for these orphaned animals provided by the 2500+ WIRES members across the state.

Whilst not everyone has the time or the space to become hands-on carers, they can always add their support by becoming a virtual WIRES carer.

“Animal lovers everywhere can always join our Virtual Carers program for a behind-the-scenes look at what’s involved in being a WIRES rescuer,” Ms Taylor said.

A wallaby joey known as Blackheath was found wet and orphaned on a roadside by a passing motorist.

He has thrived under the care of WIRES volunteers Jamie and Hayley who provide his two bottle feeds a day.

He is now fit and well and is scheduled to be released back into the wild later on this year.