It's the time of year when juvenile platypuses are leaving their burrows and seeking new territories, sometimes risking their lives crossing Tasmania's roads. Sheffield resident Natasha Marie found two dead platypuses within a month of each other, and said it was devastating to find them on the road. "I had never seen a platypus in real life before, except in a zoo," she said. "So to see one in real life was amazing, but it was devastating to find it dead on the road." Platypus Conservation Group coordinator Vivienne Briggs said the young platypuses were active at this time of year because it is time for them to leave their burrows and find their own territories. "They are solitary animals," she said. "Where Natasha found them, it's on a stretch of road between two dams. "They're little, sort of half-size, platypuses that are independent and we need to pay particular attention around this period." Ms Briggs said that mating season in December, when the males go out looking for females, was a dangerous time for platypuses on the roads. She said she would like to see the government erect signs where platypuses were known to be found on roads during mating and breeding seasons. "People can report dead or injured wildlife to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) and it helps them understand where the animals are most at risk." NRE Tas launched its Roadkill Reporter app in December with details available at www.nre.tas.gov.au/roadkillapp Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary can also assist with injured animals statewide, and can be contacted on 0447 264 625. Ms Briggs said it was important to protect Tasmania's platypuses because they are threatened across Australia. "Protect them here, save the species," she said. Ms Marie said she wanted others in the community to do be aware of the platypuses that could be out on the roads. "I want everyone to be aware, because they're such a precious creature. It's a draw card for tourism and it's a very special thing that we have in our waterways. We need to preserve it." Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: