4 days ago
Drivers warned as tragic scene on Aussie roadside prompts calls for rule change
A driver's devastating ordeal on a quiet rural road has prompted an outcry from Aussies — with some calling for major change.
Queensland's Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) confirmed to Yahoo News that a cassowary was hit by a car near Mission Beach on Thursday, with the sad scene prompting some to call for a drastic reduction in speed limits on roads that cut through the bird's natural habitat — and for drivers to pay more attention to native animals.
The area in Far North Queenslad is famous for its cassowary population, with many flocking from around the world to see the giant flightless birds which are adored and feared in equal measure. Local residents regularly share excited tales of the elusuive creatures exploring their backyards, making the loss a huge blow to the community.
Video shared by Mission Beach Wildcare showed the male cassowary, which "ran straight out in front of a car," lying under a blanket on the side of Tully Mission Beach Rd. The driver who hit the bird immediately called for assistance after the tragic accident.
The impact of the car alone did not kill the bird, but sadly the severity of the injuries it sustained caused it to be "humanely euthanised", the department told Yahoo. Sadly, the cassowary was accompanied by two juvenile birds, who must now fend for themselves.
"A member of the public reported the incident and remained with the bird until the department could arrange for a veterinarian to attend the scene and assess its condition," A DETSI spokesperson told Yahoo News.
"Two juvenile cassowaries that were with their father at the time of the incident were unharmed.
"Following a thorough assessment, the veterinarian determined that the juveniles were of sufficient age and stage of development to be left in the wild, rather than having to be taken into care."
DETSI's policy is to avoid removing wild animals from their natural habitat unless "absolutely necessary". Yahoo Understands that officers will continue monitoring the young birds to make sure they are coping on their own.
"New wildlife crossing signage has also been installed in the area to alert motorists to the presence of cassowaries along Tully Mission Beach Road and help prevent further incidents," the department said.
A spokesperson for Mission Beach Wildcare explained that many of the locals know the birds well, making it an especially tough blow. The spokesperson pleaded with drivers to "please be aware of our wildlife" as traffic flow increases with the tourist season kicking in, fearing this is the first of many "more casualties on the horizon".
Speed limits along the road which connects the town of Tully to Mission Beach, reach as high as 100kph in some parts, prompting calls from some local residents to drastically alter rules around speed in the region.
"Drivers just need to slow down and watch out for wildlife," one local resident said, with others echoing this call.
Earlier this year, NRMA released details of its Wildlife Collision Hotspots across Australia — with 12,100 claims related to cases of animals being hit by cars in 2024. The statistic makes the last 12 months the second worst in the past five years.
Data revealed that the most common time for incidents to occur is in autumn and winter when days are shorter, cooler and nocturnal animals are more active. Worryingly, incidents jumped by 25 per cent between March and April last year.
Sadly, there is another issue impacting cassowary populations. They are being fed by humans, causing them to cross roads "more frequently than necessary" for an easy meal.
Authorities have repeatedly pleaded with tourists and residents to never feed or interact with the wild animals. The birds have been seen brazenly entering camper's tents, indicating that it has become habituated to receiving food from humans.
In another incident, wild footage emerged of a cassowary chasing after a woman with a McDonald's Big Mac, renewing the pleas to steer clear of the world's most dangerous animal.
DETSI said that visitors and residents can help reserve wild populations of cassowaries in the following ways:
Never approach cassowaries.
Never approach chicks – male cassowaries will defend them.
Never feed cassowaries – it is illegal and can be dangerous for the birds and for humans.
Always discard food scraps in closed bins and ensure compost bins have secure lids.
Always slow down when driving in cassowary territory.
Never stop your vehicle to look at cassowaries on the road.
Keep dogs behind fences or on a leash.
Cassowary sightings in north Queensland should be reported to QPWS by calling 1300 130 372.
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