August 26th 2024.
The recent news of a wallaby running wild and getting hit by a car in Cornwall has saddened many people. The incident took place on the A39 near St Columb, where drivers were in for a surprise when they caught sight of the small kangaroo-like marsupial bouncing between cars with their headlights on. Danny Johnson, a motorist from Newquay, shares how he initially thought it was just a lost dog causing the traffic build-up on Friday. However, he was left completely stunned when he realized it was a wallaby "just sort of jumping around."
Sadly, the wallaby did not survive the accident and was pronounced dead by the authorities. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that the animal was hit by a vehicle and taken to a local veterinary clinic, where it passed away. It is still unclear where the wallaby came from, but it is known that they can survive in the UK, including Cornwall. According to John Meek from the Newquay Zoo and Screech Owl Sanctuary, the wallaby was not one of their animals.
Believe it or not, wallabies are not uncommon in the UK, despite not being a natural species. Red-necked wallabies, which are small macropods resembling kangaroos, are native to Australia and New Guinea. However, due to animals escaping from zoos and private collections, the species can now be found in the wild in Britain. Most sightings have been recorded in the south of England, as reported by BBC Science Focus. In fact, in 2020 alone, there were 95 confirmed sightings according to researchers mapping the sightings.
But what should one do if they come across a wallaby in the wild? While they may be adorable, it is important to maintain a safe distance and not approach them. The RSPCA advises people to monitor the animal from afar and call their emergency line if they find an injured wallaby in need of help. Any wallaby sightings should also be recorded on the iRecord app. As John Meek points out, the real danger for these animals in the UK is the cars on the road.
Danny Johnson, who witnessed the wallaby just before its unfortunate passing, expressed his sadness at the news. He shares how they were excited to see the animal, as it is not something you see every day. However, learning about its death was heartbreaking for him. He also mentions the efforts made by the police, but ultimately, there was nothing they could do. This incident serves as a reminder to be cautious while driving and to treat all living creatures with care and respect.
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