In the delightful chaos of Australian suburban life, encounters with wildlife are as Australian as lamingtons and BBQs. But one woman’s recent ‘aww’-worthy driveway moment has sparked calls for something more unusual — specialised road signs to protect our native critters.

A Surprise Visit from the Locals
One morning, the woman shared on social media, she stepped outside to find an unexpected but heartwarming sight: a family of native animals casually taking over her driveway. The touching moment, which quickly went viral, had thousands swooning while also nudging everyone to think about our furry neighbours and their safety.

When your driveway turns into a wildlife haven—an adorable reminder to cherish and protect our furry neighbours. Image source: Kylie Hancox

A Sign of the Times?
As urban sprawl pushes further into wildlife habitats, the rise in animal-related road incidents has become a serious concern. This has led to calls for a uniquely Aussie solution: road signs tailored to warn drivers of specific local wildlife. Picture signs not just for generic ‘wildlife crossing,’ but for koalas, echidnas,
kangaroos, and even the occasional emu.

Driving Change with a Local Flavour
Advocates argue these signs wouldn’t just help avoid accidents but also instil a sense of pride and responsibility in communities. Imagine a neighbourhood where every sign reflects its native wildlife — not only a safety feature but a conversation starter for locals and tourists alike.

A Small Step, Big Impact
New signs could act as a gentle nudge for drivers to slow down and stay alert, especially during dawn and dusk when animals are most active. It’s a simple yet impactful way to protect native species and keep roads safer for everyone.

Small signs, big impact—encouraging drivers to stay alert and protect wildlife during their most active hours. Image source: Pexel

Turning Conservation into a Talking Point
Besides their practical value, these signs could become a unique feature — a reflection of our love for our country’s incredible wildlife. Tourists might even take photos with them, spreading awareness about conservation efforts far and wide.

Key Takeaways

• A woman’s adorable driveway encounter with native wildlife has gone viral, prompting discussions on how to better protect animals in urban areas.
• Advocates are calling for specialised road signs tailored to specific local wildlife, such as koalas, kangaroos, and echidnas, instead of generic ‘wildlife crossing’ signs.
• These signs aim to reduce road accidents involving animals and foster a sense of community responsibility toward preserving native species.
• Unique and localised road signs could also become a distinctive feature of Australian neighbourhoods, raising awareness about conservation and becoming a talking point for tourists.

So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, what do you think? Ever had a wombat waltz through your yard or a possum pinch your fruit? Would a ‘Koala Crossing’ sign make you slow down?

Koalas, wombats, or other wildlife creatures—what sign would make you smile and slow down? Image source: Pexel

Share your thoughts and tales in the comments below — we’d love to hear your opinions on this paws-itively important matter! Have you ever had a wildlife encounter that left you scratching your head or laughing out loud?

 

[Catherines]

I agree 100% about protection of our wildlife - but here’s a question: If we need more signs on our roads to protect animals with so many of the suburban in their natural habitat of scrub for wildlife - it will become hard to see the speed signs we desperately need for protection of humans also. It is definitely our wildlife that need protection mostly on highways with fast speeds but our major roads and so many suburban roads also need that protection from the idiots that use them, all too often, as raceways. We have one individual who speeds his motorbike morning and evening down our suburban and normally very quiet street not at 50 but more likely at 70kph. Unfortunately it would mean trying to get a police officer away from more important duties to nab this fool. I will, very shortly if it continues, be forced to report him.

 

[relljube]

How can you protect a stupid plover who insists on nesting on the curb at the side of the road. Busy road with traffic roaring past with this silly bird and his mate totally oblivious to their danger.

 

[waggadragon]

I agree 100% about protection of our wildlife - but here’s a question: If we need more signs on our roads to protect animals with so many of the suburban in their natural habitat of scrub for wildlife - it will become hard to see the speed signs we desperately need for protection of humans also. It is definitely our wildlife that need protection mostly on highways with fast speeds but our major roads and so many suburban roads also need that protection from the idiots that use them, all too often, as raceways. We have one individual who speeds his motorbike morning and evening down our suburban and normally very quiet street not at 50 but more likely at 70kph. Unfortunately it would mean trying to get a police officer away from more important duties to nab this fool. I will, very shortly if it continues, be forced to report him.

Don't wait to report him just do it it's too late when someone is killed

 

[Veggiepatch]

Don't wait to report him just do it it's too late when someone is killed

The one most likely killed is him/herself, being on a motorbike.

But unlikely at 70 kmh unless they hit an immovable object such as a parked car or tree.

 

[relljube]

The one most likely killed is him/herself, being on a motorbike.

But unlikely at 70 kmh unless they hit an immovable object such as a parked car or tree.

Or anything/anyone who strays in his path.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Or anything/anyone who strays in his path.

Well they shouldn't be wandering aimlessly on the road.

 

[Knell]

This is a Bush Stone-Curlew, I believe, and is a beautiful ground-dwelling bird that is losing its habitat, sadly. This is their breeding season. They are endemic to Australia.

 

[elaine41]

The one most likely killed is him/herself, being on a motorbike.

But unlikely at 70 kmh unless they hit an immovable object such as a parked car or tree.

or a kangaroo. While they do move, they generally find a way to move in front of a moving vehicle & that would almost certainly mean death to this crazy bike rider.

 

[Veggiepatch]

or a kangaroo. While they do move, they generally find a way to move in front of a moving vehicle & that would almost certainly mean death to this crazy bike rider.

And stray livestock, such as horses and cattle. In the 1980s, two women died instantly on Bolong Road, Shoalhaven Heads, after colliding with a cow in a 100 kmh zone.

 

[Ivory]

Our area which was once prime farming land is now a plethora of houses. Hence was have an enormous amount of displaced wildlife including, kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, ring-tailed possums, snakes and turtles. As all new developments appear to need an obligatory “lake” at the entrance there are also a massive number of ducks……..and one must not forget the foxes and feral cats that prey upon these other animals. We need signage that highlights safety for these animals and if a lower limited is observed then it should make it safer for residents.