Roadkill is an all-too-familiar sight for Brimbank drivers, according to latest RACV insurance claims data.
A breakdown of RACV’s 2013 figures shows Brimbank has the third-worst record in Melbourne’s west for cars colliding with an animal.
Moorabool and Melton shires had the most car accidents involving domesticated animals and wildlife. Most collisions occurred at dawn or dusk.
RACV general manager of insurance, Paul Northey, said that across Melbourne’s west the insurer received a total of 3641 kangaroo-related claims in 2013, costing on average $3685.
Taylors Lakes, Sydenham and St Albans are hotspots for animal-related insurance claims in Brimbank.
Brimbank Wildlife Rescue Shelter owner and operator Helen Farrugia said she hadn’t taken in many road victims lately because most animals were lying low and reproducing.
“[But] come spring and right through to autumn, I can get as many as 20 animals a week,” she said.
According to Wildlife Victoria, most animals killed in July were struck by a car. The species most commonly taken into shelters are the eastern grey kangaroo, followed by the blackbird.
