A WIRES carer has said the "predominant" reason wombats become orphans, is due to collisions with vehicles, which is more likely as it gets colder and darker.
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WIRES Wingecarribee branch secretary, in NSW's Southern Highlands, and wombat and koala coordinator Penny Walsh, has 10 orphaned wombats in her care, who were rescued from their mother's pouches.
She advised motorists to "drive as though something is going to jump out".
"We're out on the road when they're grazing," she said.
"From dusk until dawn be aware, slow down, especially in rural areas, and scan the sides of the road."
The coordinator and secretary said it was "unusual" for adult wombats to come into care.
"It's either fatal on impact, or fatal because of [their] injuries and [they then] have to be euthanaised," she said.
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According to Ms Walsh, calls to rescue and care for wombats have declined since the drought and bushfires, but the issue has not gone away completely.
"Most accidents do occur and that's due to wombats coming out earlier because it's cooler and darker," she said.
If you see and animal on the side of the road, you can do the following:
1. Consider your own safety first and pull over if you can to assist, but only if it is safe to do so.
2. If the animal is still alive but injured, call WIRES on 1300 094 737.
3. If the wombat is dead and it is safe to do so, and you feel comfortable, turn the animal onto its back. If possible, move it off the road. If none of this is possible, call WIRES.
4. Once you are safely off the road with the animal, look to see if the animal has a pouch. You may or may not see the movements of a joey. Call WIRES, and they will come and check the pouch.
5. If you are able to stay until a rescuer calls you, or arrives at the scene, this is extremely helpful. Otherwise, try to identify the spot by describing an obvious landmark such as a letterbox number. If possible, mark the location with an item you may have in your car such as a water bottle, ribbon or another piece of fabric.