Koala crossing over highway

Wildlife crossings are said to be helping our native animals cross roads safely.

WIRES

KOALAS and possums are adapting to animal crossings over the Pacific Highway to avoid becoming road kill.

Motorists have reported seeing marsupials using overhead wires and climbing structures these holidays.

The Roads and Traffic Authority estimates there have been as many as 250 animal crossings over highway structures on the Mid North Coast.

A colony of koalas is also said to be using roadside structures at Bonville, erected two years ago as part of the highway bypass.

“We have been told there have even been some photos taken showing native animals using these crossings,” an RTA spokesman said.

Wires’ Jilea Carney said local carers have commented how the animal road toll on the Pacific Highway has fallen every time a new crossing is erected in bushland areas.

“Where safety diversions have been installed, such as possum crossings and tunnels, the wildlife road toll decreases,” Ms Carney said.

“We need to give wildlife every possible chance and even still there are a number of road-kill hot spots around the State,” she said.

Loss of habitat due to road construction is one of the most common impacts threatening Australia’s native animal populations.

Meanwhile, pet owners have been urged to contact carers should they comes across injured wildlife this summer.

Coffs Harbour was recently named by WIRES as the worst community in NSW for dog and cat attacks on native animals in 2009.