THREE dead echidnas and injuries to others have sparked impassioned pleas from wildlife carers for motorists to stick to the speed limit.
Mayor Karen Williams said a hot spot was Double Jump Road, Redland Bay near Sandy Creek Conservation Area where at least six echidnas had been killed or injured over the past few weeks.
“Carers tell me it is always in the same spot along that secluded stretch of road, so it is certainly somewhere people need to be particularly mindful and slow down,” she said.
In other recent incidents a blonde female echidna was hit by a car on Kinross Road, Thornlands, a large adult male knocked on Bunker Road, Victoria Point and another echidna hit outside Aldi on Mount Cotton Road.
The male suffered no major injuries and was released back into his habitat habitat.
The female suffered a small fracture in her beak and was returned once she was stabilised, while the third suffered lacerations under its arm and eye damage.
Cr Williams said it was devastating to think echidnas were being killed and injured on local roads.
“When the young start to leave the nest to find a mate they can travel kilometres to find their own place to call home.”
Cr Williams said the Redlands Wildlife Service, managed by council and operated by volunteers, was highly regarded by wildlife organisations and hospitals.
The volunteers respond to calls regarding sick, injured and orphaned wildlife in Redlands.
To report sick and injured animals call 3833 4031 anytime.
