Information for Drivers

Around 300,000 animals are killed on Tasmania’s roads every year. The death toll includes 3,000 Tasmanian Devils a year. Roadkill is a major threat to the survival of the species now that it is depleted by facial tumour disease.

Tasmanian drivers are injured and killed from collisions with wildlife every year. And over $1,000,000 worth of damage to vehicles is reported from hitting wild animals each year.

Dawn and dusk, and the first few hours of the night, are the times you are most likely to encounter animals on the road.

Where are animals most likely to cross?

Look for animals on the side of the road where there is vegetation, or where a creek bed might cross under the road.

Animals may leap out suddenly. Watch for the reflection of their eyes in the headlights.

Young animals don’t recognise cars as a threat, and don’t know how to get out of the way – look out and give them time to cross.

Where one animal is crossing, there may be more – they will follow their mother or a mate across, even if cars are coming.

Never throw food or any litter out of your car – it attracts animals to roadsides.

How can I avoid wildlife safely?

The best way to avoid hitting wildlife is to drive slower from dusk to dawn. This gives you more time to spot an animal and to slow down to avoid hitting it.

Driving slower is safer for both humans and wildlife. If you drive at 60 km/hr or slower on roads where wildlife is likely to be present, you have a good chance of seeing an animal if it runs into the road, and being able to slow down to avoid it.

You can download GPS co-ordinates for roadkill black spots around Tasmania here

What should I do if I do hit an animal?

If you do hit an animal, stop if it is safe to do so. The casualty may be able to be treated. Female marsupials may have young in their pouches that can be saved.

Injured and orphaned animals need special treatment. Keep the animal in a warm, dark place when transporting it and contact the Parks and Wildlife Service as soon as possible.

Who to call

• Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, tel. 03 6233 6556 in office hours
• The nearest Parks and Wildlife Office
• For after-hours advice on injured or orphaned wildlife you can call Bonorong Wildlife Centre tel. 03 6268 1184

Tip: Put these phone numbers into your mobile's memory for future reference on the road.

You can download an print out this information as a flyer, or borrow two 2m self-standing banners for your next public event or open day.

More information

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service's webpage on sharing the road with wildlife

Bonorong Wildlife Park's webpage on injured and orphaned wildlife

Save the Tasmanian Devil Program's Roadkill Project: report Tasmanian Devil roadkill sightings

Watch 'Tasmania: Your Roadkill State' video.