THE Daylesford Wildlife Rescue Centre is pleading with people to slow down and protect animals on the road, after dozens were found injured in recent weeks.
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But the broken pelvis' and crippled legs tell only some of the story of the toll on our roads, with most animals sustaining injuries so great they have to be euthanised.
The rescue centre's Gayle Chappell and Jon Rowden are called out to two jobs every day on average, often seeing horrific things on the roads.
They said while animals would always be killed on the roads, it was vital people called for help if they hit an animal.
"People expect animals to behave in a certain way but they just don't," Ms Chappell said.
"Sometimes the animal runs off or moves after being hit and people assume they are okay, but they never are okay.
"We want to be able to care for them so people need to let us know."
Change of seasons and burn offs can increase the likelihood of animals on the road, with the most dangerous period from dawn to dusk.
"Speed is everything," Mr Rowden said.
"We just want people to slow down, be aware, and dim their lights if they see wildlife ahead."
Their plea comes after several Hepburn residents called on VicRoads to introduce reduced speed limits in wildlife areas.
While there are already several wildlife signs across the region, residents believe too many animals are dying needlessly.
"It's high time to introduce special, significantly lower speed restrictions to protect our amazing and invaluable wildlife – just like special school zones that protect kids," Clunes' Eve Lamb said.
Gillian Carron said the speed limit increase was really taking its toll on helpless wildlife.
"There have been a huge number of wombats killed on the Daylesford-Trentham Road; over the past two weeks there have been at least seven killed, including a mother and baby," she said.
However VicRoads said it was not proposing to lower speed limits or add any additional signage at this point in time.
"We consult the Department of Environment and Primary Industries on wildlife numbers, migratory patterns and the need for signs warning motorists of wildlife," it said.
"Motorists should drive carefully and remain alert in areas where wildlife may be present, particularly where warning signs are in place."
If people hit an animal, they are urged to stop and call the 24-hour wildlife rescue line on 1300 223 427 or 1300 094 535, or the Hepburn Wildlife Rescue Centre on 5348 3932 or 0409 380 327.
