Drivers alerted as terrible scene on Aussie roadside motivates require policy modification

A motorist’s terrible experience on a silent country roadway has actually motivated an objection from Aussies– with some asking for significant modification.

Queensland’s Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) validated to Yahoo News that a cassowary was struck by an auto near Mission Beach on Thursday, with the unfortunate scene motivating some to require a radical decrease in rate limitations on roadways that punctured the bird’s all-natural environment– and for vehicle drivers to pay even more focus to indigenous pets.

The location in Far North Queenslad is well-known for its cassowary populace, with several crowding from worldwide to see the huge flightless birds which are loved and been afraid in equivalent step. Local locals consistently share fired up stories of the elusuive animals discovering their yards, making the loss a substantial strike to the neighborhood.

Video shared by Mission Beach Wildcare revealed the male cassowary, which “ran straight out in front of a car,” existing under a covering on the side ofTully Mission Beach Rd The vehicle driver that struck the bird quickly asked for aid after the terrible mishap.

The influence of the automobile alone did not eliminate the bird, however regretfully the intensity of the injuries it received created it to be “humanely euthanised”, the division informedYahoo Sadly, the cassowary was gone along with by 2 adolescent birds, that have to currently take care of themselves.

“A member of the public reported the incident and remained with the bird until the department could arrange for a veterinarian to attend the scene and assess its condition,” A DETSI agent informed Yahoo News.

“Two juvenile cassowaries that were with their father at the time of the incident were unharmed.

“Following a complete analysis, the vet identified that the juveniles were of adequate age and phase of advancement to be left in the wild, as opposed to needing to be taken right into treatment.”

DETSI’s policy is to avoid removing wild animals from their natural habitat unless ” definitely required”. Yahoo Understands that officers will continue monitoring the young birds to make sure they are coping on their own.

“New wild animals going across signs has actually additionally been set up in the location to sharp vehicle drivers to the visibility of cassowaries along Tully Mission Beach Road and aid stop additionally events,” the department said.

A spokesperson for Mission Beach Wildcare explained that many of the locals know the birds well, making it an especially tough blow. The spokesperson pleaded with drivers to ” please know our wild animals” as traffic flow increases with the tourist season kicking in, fearing this is the first of many ” a lot more casualties imminent”.

Speed limits along the road which connects the town of Tully to Mission Beach, reach as high as 100kph in some parts, prompting calls from some local residents to drastically alter rules around speed in the region.

“Drivers simply require to reduce and keep an eye out for wild animals,” one local resident said, with others echoing this call.

Earlier this year, NRMA released details of its Wildlife Collision Hotspots across Australia — with 12,100 claims related to cases of animals being hit by cars in 2024. The statistic makes the last 12 months the second worst in the past five years.

Data revealed that the most common time for incidents to occur is in autumn and winter when days are shorter, cooler and nocturnal animals are more active. Worryingly, incidents jumped by 25 per cent between March and April last year.

Unfortunate reality for Aussie populations of rare bird

Sadly, there is another issue impacting cassowary populations. They are being fed by humans, causing them to cross roads ” a lot more regularly than required” for an easy meal.

Authorities have repeatedly pleaded with tourists and residents to never feed or interact with the wild animals. The birds have been seen brazenly entering camper’s tents, indicating that it has become habituated to receiving food from humans.

In another incident, wild footage emerged of a cassowary chasing after a woman with a McDonald’s Big Mac, renewing the pleas to steer clear of the world’s most dangerous animal.

DETSI said that visitors and residents can help reserve wild populations of cassowaries in the following ways:

• Never approach cassowaries.

• Never approach chicks – male cassowaries will defend them.

• Never feed cassowaries – it is illegal and can be dangerous for the birds and for humans.

• Always discard food scraps in closed bins and ensure compost bins have secure lids.

• Always slow down when driving in cassowary territory.

• Never stop your vehicle to look at cassowaries on the road.

• Keep dogs behind fences or on a leash.

Cassowary sightings in north Queensland should be reported to QPWS by calling 1300 130 372.

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