Wildlife rescue organisations say winter is the number one time for motor-vehicle related animal deaths or injuries. 

As the sun sets earlier animals start to move around, either looking for food, a new habitat or some exercise. At the same time, commuters hit the roads at the end of their work day. 

Accidents involving animals can not only be fatal for the animal but also the driver. 

While the situation is often out of our control, what we do have control over is how we assist the animals after an injury, or sadly death.

Would you know who to call if you encountered an injured, dead or displaced animal?

There are a number of organisations in the shire that can assist- one of these organisations is Wildlife Rescue South Coast. 

The rescue service operates 24/7 and will respond as quickly as possible to all calls. 

But what is unfortunate, is that people still seem to be using the old philosophy of ‘wait and see’. 

Rather than calling for help immediately, people are waiting to see if the animal gets up and walks away or finds a new home after becoming displaced. 

This often means that the animal’s situation ends up much worse than it should have. Rescue volunteers have reminded Highlanders to call either Wildlife Rescue South Coast on 0418 427 214 or WIRES Wingecarribee on 4862 1788 as soon as they see a displaced or injured animal. 

If you find an injured animal it is best to stay until help arrives. 

But if you are unable to do so, there are other things you can do to help.

You can tie a marker, like a plastic bag or piece of rope, to a tree or landmark near the animal, which will help volunteers locate the animal. 

But what could be sadder than a dead animal on the side of the road?

Two dead animals. 

Rescue volunteers have urged Highlanders to always check the pouches of animals.

More often than not their are babies in the mother’s pouch. 

If let inside their dead mother, they baby will usually freeze to death as they are too young to have developed fur. 

So remember next time you see injured wildlife, immediate action could be the difference between life and death.