By Grace Frost
Wildlife Victoria data has revealed wildlife injuries and fatalities have exceeded pre-pandemic figures in the region.
The rate of wildlife death and injury is at its highest in the region in the Macedon Ranges, followed by Hume City, City of Whittlesea and Mitchell Shire.
Wildlife death and injury increased by an average of 41 per cent from 2019 to 2022 across the region.
In the first seven months of 2023, there were more fatalities and injuries caused to wildlife in the Macedon Ranges, Hume City, City of Whittlesea and Mitchell Shire than in the entirety of 2019.
Vehicle collisions remain the leading cause of wildlife casualties throughout the region, contributing to 43 per cent of all cases between January 2019 and August 2023.
In the Macedon Ranges last year, 759 animals were hit by vehicles, compared to 604 pre-pandemic.
Last year, 347 animals were hit by vehicles and suffered injury or death in the Mitchell Shire – 40 per cent more than in 2019.
This year, until August, more than one animal was killed or injured per day due to a vehicle collision in the Mitchell Shire.
Three out of four were Eastern Kangaroos.
AAMI insurance recorded the average cost of an insurance claim involving wildlife to be between $5500 and $6400 as of May this year.
One in seven claims involving wildlife in 2022 recorded such severe damage to the vehicle that the car was written-off.
Wildlife rescuer Mary-Anne Johnson encouraged drivers to take note of regular wildlife hit spots in the Mitchell Shire to remain vigilant.
Spots include the Northern Highway, from Wallan to Kilmore, and Kilmore to Pyalong, O’Gradys Road in Kilmore East, Broadford-Kilmore Road and Hidden Valley Boulevard.
“The speed factor is the biggest thing in Mitchell Shire,” she said.
“It would be nice if everyone could just be mindful, slow down, be considerate of others and well as looking out for their own safety.
“We want to get to our destination safely.
“If you can leave a little bit earlier to accommodate getting to work earlier, that would be good.
“Be mindful of the top times, dusk and dawn, that our wildlife are active.”
Mitchell Shire Council acting chief executive officer Mary Agostino said although council addressed high-risk areas with signs, it was not possible to respond to every incident or location.
“We strongly urge individuals to drive cautiously and remain vigilant about the native wildlife that shares our environment,” she said.
“Dawn and dusk are periods when wildlife activity peaks, making it crucial for drivers to be extra cautious during these times and drive to the road conditions, especially in rural or semi-rural areas.”
Wildlife Victoria can be contacted on 03 8400 7300.