Hit an animal in your car? Stop. Call. Stay if possible. It can make all the difference

Wildlife news from Jennifer Berry, Wildlife Volunteers Assoc. Inc (WILVOS) 54416200 www.wilvos.org.au

Around 11pm the WILVOS hotline (07 54416200) was called to rescue a possum that had been hit by a car. The driver stopped, saw the injuries and rang WILVOS, wrapping the possum in a towel to keep it warm and remaining with it until rescuer arrived. 

The possum had serious head injuries and was unresponsive but still alive. Checked for a pouch and found an unfurred joey suckling on the teat. 

They were taken straight to Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for assessment and care. Both animals required euthanising; mama possum’s injuries were mortal, and joey was too young to be viable.

So why was this a dream rescue? Because the driver reacted to this accident exactly as she should. Had mama possum’s injuries been less serious, the speed of the driver’s response could have saved her and the joey’s life; as it was, we were able to relieve their suffering quickly and humanely. 

Unfortunately, this rescue is only a dream—here’s what really happened.

Mama possum was hit by a vehicle sometime during the night in an unsigned wildlife area by a driver who failed to stop. 

A woman walking her dog around 6.30am discovered the possum lying in the gutter and saw movement in the pouch. She rang WILVOS but couldn’t stay with the possums.

When the rescuer arrived, it was clear that mama had been dead for hours; she was stiff and cold. The joey was still on the teat but icy cold like mama. 

There was no attempt to remove joey from the teat for fear of further injuring him but wrapped them both in a small quilt and took them to AZWH. Sadly, the joey was unviable and was euthanised.

What We Can Do to Help Wildlife

• Alert council to areas of wildlife activity and request appropriate signage.

• Slow down and stay alert, especially when driving at night in areas where wildlife may live.

• ALWAYS STOP (if safe to do so) if you hit an animal and assess the extent of the injuries if possible —try to keep it warm, covered and quiet.

• Carry the WILVOS hotline number on your phone, in your glovebox or wallet and call immediately. We’re here to help 24/7.