Drivers have been warned after the string of a “get well soon” balloon was tied to the carcass of a kangaroo.

An image shared to social media on Tuesday showed the animal just metres away from a major road in River Heads, south of Hervey Bay in Queensland.

While the image sparked fury among locals, it has also raised major concerns over the potential for a spike in kangaroo fatalities on Australian roads this Winter.

Why Is Every Woman Over 35 Suddenly Buying Baking Soda in Bulk?Slims|
Sponsored

14 shots of tequila later, cruise passenger sues Carnival and gets a verdictMcClatchy|
Sponsored

by Taboola

“Whilst we appreciate that this was someone’s attempt at humour the harsh reality is that the increasing number of deaths of native animals on Australian roads is concerning,” Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service CEO, Leanne Taylor, told 7NEWS.com.au.

“The WIRES 24/7 Rescue Office has experienced a 400 per cent increase in kangaroo car strike fatalities alone following the end of daylight saving and we ask motorists to please take extra care at dusk and dawn when driving in known wildlife areas.”

Kangaroos are particularly vulnerable during the colder months as more cars are on the road during dusk and dawn, when they’re most active.

“In winter, the period of dusk when kangaroos are more active coincides with people moving around a lot more in the local streets and on the major roads,” Sydney University Professor of Wildlife Management, Dr Catherine Herbert, said.

“The other contributing factor is probably also that the quality of grass that’s available to them decreases a bit in winter.

“And so in some areas this attracts them to the edge of the road where there’s kind of increased grass growth because you get run off rain from the surface of the road, increasing the quality and quantity of grass immediately adjacent to the road.”

While there is a predictable rise in road deaths for kangaroos, this year is proving to be an especially vulnerable season for the native animal.

“It’s looking troubling for kangaroos in the coming months,” Herbert said.

A perfect lack of storms

A historically dry March across most of NSW and southern Queensland has meant already depleted grasslands are even less feasible to sustain a grazing mob of kangaroos.

The conditions are expected to become worse as the Bureau of Meteorology expects warmer and dried conditions with the onset of El Nino.

“That’s going to increase those drought conditions that we’re seeing at the moment,” Herbert said.

“So the reduction in rainfall means rainfall that, if anything, it’s only going to get worse.”

She said with more kangaroos being forced closer to roads, drivers should take much more care.

“The most important message that needs to be made be made is that you don’t want to swerve,” Herbert said.

“Kangaroos can turn on a dime, so even if you try to swerve you’re still likely to hit the animal. But worse still, you might hit a tree on the side of the road.”

“The best advice is to just brake as quickly and as safely as you can while staying in within your lane.”

If a driver were to hit a native animal such as a kangaroo, or come across one that appears injured, they’re urged to stop when safe and contact WIRES or a local vet.

WIRES may ask the driver to do a “pouch check” to make sure the injured animal doesn’t have a joey because it would die without its mother.

“Always approach any animal with care as injured animals will be very scared and may lash out,” WIRES said.

“If you do find a young animal in a pouch it will need to be kept warm and quiet so if you have a box and maybe blanket or spare clothing this will be invaluable in saving a life.“