Moorabool shire proving a death trap for animals

Moorabool shire is an animal collision hotspot, according to the latest claims data from RACV Insurance.

The shire reported the highest number of animals hit by vehicles among western suburbs municipalities in 2013. It was followed by Melton and Brimbank.

A total of 94 claims were made in Moorabool, with more in Bacchus Marsh (27) than any other town.

Ten were in Meredith, with six each in Trentham and Buninyong.

RACV Insurance general manager Paul Northey said kangaroos accounted for 78 per cent of animal collisions across the state, with a total of 3641 in 2013 at an average cost of $3685.

There were also 245 claims for damage caused by dogs and a further 244 following impacts with wombats.

Mr Northey said collisions with animals happened at all hours but mostly at dawn or dusk.

And he cautioned motorists to slow down around bends and over rises.

“You should also be cautious if you see dead animals on the side of the road,” he said.