Coastal emus left to die in agony

Grafton Daily Examiner

IN the past two weeks two coastal emus have been hit by cars in the Tucabia region and left for dead.

But the birds didn't die. Both lay on the side of the road with broken legs, one possibly for days, until they were found by passing motorists and then eventually put down.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) ranger Gina Hart said the drivers who hit them should have stopped to check if the animals were still alive, and then called WIRES (animal rescue).

“I think people think they will get in trouble if they report that they have hit an emu,” Ms Hart said.

“But they won't get in trouble for hitting them, it's leaving them that's the problem.”

One bird was found on the Wooli Road between Tucabia and Pillar Valley and the other on Firth Heinz Road.

“The one near Tucabia had quite an old break on its leg indicating the animal had been incapacitated for quite some time,” Ms Hart said.

“It was basically left to die of thirst.”

Evidence of the recent spate of wildlife killed across the Valley can be seen on roadsides in most rural areas.

Ms Hart said the onset of winter always brought an increase in road kill because people were driving home from work on dusk or at night. As well as slowing down, she urged motorists to check any wildlife they hit for signs of life.

If an animal was still alive, Ms Hart said people should call the WIRES hotline on 6643 4055.

There are around 120 coastal emus in the region.