Wildlife on our roads
Murrindindi Shire is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, deer, wombats, and echidnas. While these animals are an important part of our environment, they can pose risks to road users, especially at certain times of the year.
Why is this important?
Collisions with wildlife can cause serious damage and injury to both drivers and animals.
Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk, and during shoulder seasons (autumn and spring) when animals are on the move in unexpected places.
Drought conditions can cause animals to leave their usual feeding areas and cross roads in search of food and water, even during summer when driving is generally safer due to longer daylight hours.
Seasonal road safety advice
Summer: Long daylight hours make driving safer, but drought conditions can increase wildlife movement as they are forced to search further afield for food and water. Slow down and stay alert, especially at dawn and dusk.
Autumn: As daylight savings ends, travel times overlap with wildlife feeding times. Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk, and enlist passengers to help spot animals.
Winter: Shorter days mean wildlife activity at dusk and dawn is more likely to overlap with typical commute times. This means more traffic, and animals, will be on the road at the same time. Collisions are more likely, so drive to the conditions and stay alert for animal movement.
Spring: New life and shoulder seasons mean animals are on the move in unexpected places. Stay vigilant and help keep our roads safe for everyone.
What you can do
- Avoid driving at dawn and dusk when possible, as wildlife is most active.
- Slow down and stay alert. Scan both the road and roadsides for animal movement.
- Don’t swerve. If a collision is unavoidable, brake firmly and remain in your lane, swerving can be even more dangerous.
- Enlist passengers to help spot wildlife, especially during high-risk times.
- Report injured wildlife to Wildlife Victoria’s Emergency Response Service by calling (03) 8400 7300 or visit the Wildlife Victoria website.