MOTORISTS are being warned to take greater care on Border roads amid a surge in kangaroo numbers in built-up areas.
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The animals are increasingly being spotted in Albury and Wodonga, leading to a spike in accidents between them and vehicles.
WIRES volunteer Christine Fowler said seven kangaroos had already been killed by motor vehicles and one had been killed in a dog attack in Albury this month.
She said kangaroos usually ventured into residential areas at this time of year, but they were receiving an unusually high number of call-outs involving the animals.
“It’s not due to the weather, we presume it’s food,” Ms Fowler said.
“They’re venturing into urban areas, which usually happens because they’re seeking alternative food.”
Albury Council team leader compliance John Mulvey said animals were unpredictable.
“At this time of year the animals tend to migrate from the high country to the low country as the vegetation dries out,” he said.
“That brings them into contact with humans and cars.
“In recent times we’ve found them in Kaitlers Road, Hamilton Valley, Smollett Street and Wyse Street.”
Kangaroos tend to target the sides of roads as water drains into ditches where grass grows.
“There is a particular risk to people,” Mr Mulvey said.
“We want people to be on alert in the early morning and in the evening.
“Thankfully there haven’t been injuries to humans.
“But in a panic situation, these animals can be dangerous, they can be unpredictable.”
Kangaloola Wildlife Shelter owner Glenda Elliott, who cares for wildlife recovered in Victoria, from Yackandandah said she had been responding to a “crazy” number of kangaroo sightings in urban areas.
“We’re run off our feet with joeys and injured ones,” she said.
“We can get called out five times a day.”
The increase in housing developments could be a reason.
“We used to have a break,” Ms Elliott said.
“Now it’s just full on all the time.”