Angie Brace
Three year old koala Bruxx is on the road to recovery after being struck by a car on the Bruxner Highway at Mummulgum.
Bruxx suffered several fractures to his face and jaw and required surgery, including having his jaw wired to stabilise the injuries.
He is now doing well in care at the Friends of the Koala Hospital in Lismore and has quickly become a favourite among volunteers thanks to his love of food and his very chatty personality.
Friends of the Koala Vet Kate Thomas said Bruxx was always bellowing.
This week, he will move into a larger enclosure for the final stage of his rehabilitation, bringing him one step closer to a return to the wild.
Since January, 40 koalas have been hit by vehicles across the Northern Rivers, including 13 incidents in the past four weeks.
Councils across the region are helping raise awareness by placing variable message boards in known koala hotspots and locations where koalas have recently been hit, reminding motorists to drive slower and stay alert.
However, koalas can cross roads anywhere, not just where warning signs or message boards are located.
“Every driver can make a difference,” Ms Thomas said.
“Slowing down and paying attention to the road and surrounding environment can give drivers more time to react.”
Drivers are urged to take extra care, particularly at dawn, dusk and at night, when koalas can be harder to see.
If you see a koala on or near the road, please contact Friends of the Koala’s 24-hour Rescue Hotline on 6622 1233.
If you accidentally hit a koala, or come across a koala that has been injured or hit by a vehicle, please call the Rescue Hotline immediately. If it is safe to do so, stay with the koala until a rescuer arrives.