Incredible twist after emu killed on Aussie highway beside its six young babies

With thousands gearing up for road trips and long-distance travel ahead of the Christmas break, wildlife rescuers are reminding the public to be on extra alert for native animals crossing the road.

The plea comes after an emu was found badly wounded beside a highway in outback NSW — metres from its young — with the bird, an adult male, having to be euthanised as a result of its injuries.

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, WIRES volunteer Stephanie said much like most our of native wildlife, emus are "not road savvy at all" and in particular, are prone to accidents while "protecting their brood, which may have wandered onto the road."

Stephanie warned ahead of the festive period in particular, it's important Australians driving both short and long distances keep their wits about them and scan for wildlife. She said, emus "frequently cross major roads and highways" and incidents like this are "not uncommon".

The emu in question was tended to by WIRES' Far West branch, near Broken Hill, on November 26. On approach, "it was clear" to Stephanie one of its legs had been badly broken and it had "head injury consistent with a car strike".

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"Sadly it was not able to be saved," a WIRES spokesperson told Yahoo after the emu was euthanised.

"It was an adult male that also had a brood of six juvenile chicks that were hiding in the bushes further along the road. Adult males will accept other chicks and juveniles if around the same age so fingers crossed there may be a potential foster parent in the area."

Happy twist after roadside tragedy in rural NSW

In a happy turn, Yahoo News understands that while the adult emu was unable to be saved, its chicks were eventually reunited with its brothers and sisters and another adult male — which, unlike most other animals, are typically the sole carer for their young.

The spokesperson said generally, native animals have "a natural fear of humans and see us as predators" and, even if injured, "can still try to defend themselves".

"Depending on the species and if it is deceased you might be able to do a pouch check or search the surrounding area in case a joey has been thrown out of the pouch on impact," they said. "It is not safe to approach raptors or any type of snake, these species need to be handled by a trained rescuer.

"Also never touch injured flying foxes or bats as they may carry the Lyssavirus which can be passed on via a bite or scratch. Always seek advice if in doubt before approaching an injured adult native animal."

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