With the dry conditions gripping the region Weddin Shire Council ranger Alison Knowles is warning locals about the dangers of approaching native wildlife.
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"It is a fact that kangaroo numbers have increased recently due to extreme dry weather conditions," Alison said.
"Weddin Shire residents are seeing more roos coming out of bushland into residential private property areas, roadways and schools to obtain feed and water."
Alison said there are a number of reasons the kangaroos are coming into and close to residential areas.
"Environmental factors play a major role in kangaroo colonies and where the kangaroos graze," she said.
"Kangaroos will become use to grazing in built up areas and to normal human noise."
For the most part locals are safe from the animals, but Alison warns of approaching the wildlife.
"The risk of being attacked by a kangaroo is low however you may wish to take note of the following to reduce the likelihood of a kangaroo attack."
Alison suggests the following to reduce the risk of an attack:
- Do not walk directly toward a kangaroo
- Do not stand up tall, stare or hold your arms out in front of a kangaroo as the kangaroo will consider you as a sparring partner, feel threatened or show dominance
- Do not go near males that are sparring, fighting or showing off their size and strength to each other
- Do not move between a female and her joey
- Do not go near a kangaroo that is growling or clucking
- Do not feed kangaroos
- Do not allow your dog to approach a kangaroo. Kangaroos will vigorously defend themselves against dogs, and this may draw you into a dangerous situation.
- Become aware of where the kangaroos are likely to be and if travelling in a motor vehicle or riding a motorbike, slow down to decrease the likelihood of kangaroo damage.
For further information about kangaroos or what you can do with animals close to your place please contact NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services on 68417100.
Rebecca Hewson
A local with a love of local news reporting for the people across the Hilltops and Weddin areas.
A local with a love of local news reporting for the people across the Hilltops and Weddin areas.
