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Living with kangaroos

In the ACT, we are in a unique position where animals and their habitats are often right in our own backyards. It’s important to understand the patterns and behaviours of wildlife to ensure we protect ourselves and our native species.

When encountering kangaroos, please remember:

  • Do not approach kangaroos. Admire kangaroos from afar and keep your dogs on lead to ensure kangaroos don’t feel threatened.
  • Do not feed kangaroos. Human-fed animals can quickly become aggressive when they expect humans to feed them or lose their ability to forage naturally.
  • If the kangaroo is badly injured, call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 and a ranger will attend as soon as possible.

Kangaroos and vehicles

Kangaroos are most likely to cross roads during early morning, dusk, and night. After a long dry period, they tend to graze closer to roads because the runoff from the roads increases the availability of food for them.

Data gathered in the ACT, New South Wales, and other states shows the following information about accidents involving kangaroos:

  • The peak time for crashes is between 5:00 and 10:00 PM
  • The rate of crashes is higher in winter
  • There are more collisions following long periods of dry weather
  • There are more collisions with kangaroos near the full moon phase than the new moon phase

Canberra, the ACT, and nearby areas in NSW are 'hot spots' for vehicle collisions involving kangaroos. NSW police have responded to more collisions in the Yass-Goulburn-Queanbeyan area than in other towns. In Canberra, rangers commonly record over 1,000 kangaroos by the road each year, and they think there are twice as many collisions as sightings. This doesn't mean that kangaroo populations are going down, and the rise in collisions isn't just because Canberra is growing and there are more cars. The number of car crashes involving kangaroos is increasing a lot based on the number of registered vehicles.

Refer to Section 3.9.4 of the ACT Kangaroo Management Plan for an analysis of techniques used for reducing vehicle collisions.

Hot Spots

Exceptional hot spots vehicle collisions with kangaroos

  • Fairbairn Avenue
  • Majura Road
  • Hindmarsh Drive
  • Mugga Lane

Hot spots for vehicle collisions with kangaroos

  • Limestone Avenue
  • Sulwood Drive
  • William Hovell Drive
  • Antill Street
  • Woodcock Drive
  • Monaro Highway
  • Long Gully Road
  • Yamba Drive
  • Athllon Drive
  • Tuggeranong Parkway
  • Tharwa Drive
  • Erindale Drive.

Minimise the risk of collision

  • Drive more cautiously in the evening and at night
  • Drive more cautiously in the kangaroo ‘hot spots’ (listed below and marked with the large warning signs illustrated below)
  • Slow down if you see a kangaroo. Other kangaroos may be active in the area as well
  • Be aware of what is on the edges of the road ahead, as well as the middle
  • Appoint a passenger as a kangaroo 'spotter'

Drivers should be aware of the risks of collisions involving kangaroos when driving in the ACT.

Reporting accidents and injured wildlife

All accidents involving injured wildlife should be reported to Access Canberra on 13 22 81. Be sure to explain whether the animal is dead or alive and its exact location.

All accidents involving a motor vehicle should be reported to the police on 131 444.

Dogs and kangaroos

Kangaroos and wallabies living in and around Canberra are usually quiet. They can easily be frightened by dogs, especially if the dogs are not on a leash. When harassed by dogs, kangaroos may run towards nearby roads, which can be dangerous. Stressed kangaroos may also end up in suburban yards, where they can cause damage. Some kangaroos, particularly large males, may defend themselves, their offspring, or their mates against harassing dogs. It's important to always keep your dog on a leash.

Rearing young Eastern Grey Kangaroos

Hand-rearing and releasing Eastern Grey Kangaroos is not permitted in the ACT under the Eastern Grey Kangaroo Controlled Native Species Management Plan.

The reasons for this include:

  • There is no conservation justification for hand-rearing and releasing Eastern Grey Kangaroos because they are an abundant species.
  • There is a risk of injuries from large male kangaroos that were originally hand reared.
  • Hand-reared animals have a much higher death rate than naturally reared animals if released to the wild rather than protected environments.
  • They are often more vulnerable to predators such as dogs and foxes as they have not learnt an appropriate recognition and flight response.

A volunteer wildlife care organisation in NSW holds a licence to export a small number of Eastern Grey Kangaroo young for care and release in NSW.