It's a tale that seems almost too bizarre to be true, a story that could only come from the land down under, where the wildlife is as wild as the outback itself. Picture this: you're driving down a road in Virginia, South Australia, at a brisk 80km/h when suddenly, you collide with something unexpected. This was the reality for one Aussie driver whose night took a turn for the surreal when he discovered a red fox lodged in his car's front grill.

The driver, who captured the ordeal on camera, shared the footage that left viewers gobsmacked. The fox, which was very much alive and furiously biting at the grill in a bid for freedom, had become an unwitting passenger after the high-speed collision. 'Y’all thought you had a bad day,' the driver quipped in the video, showcasing the fox's plight to his social media followers.

A driver in South Australia was astonished to find a red fox inside his car after colliding with it at 80 km/h. Credit: @acesiderecords / TikTok

The series of TikTok videos documenting the fox's struggle and eventual rescue by an emergency vet has since gone viral, amassing over 400,000 views. The driver narrated the tense wait for the vet and the relief that followed: 'Took him to the vet, they sedated him and we got him out safely, the poor guy.' It's a testament to the resilience of Australia's wildlife that the fox survived such an impact.

The incident has sparked a mix of shock, humor, and disbelief among viewers. 'How does this even happen?' one person asked, echoing the thoughts of many. Others joked about the situation, with one commenting, 'What in the fox is going on here!' The driver's insurance company was also a topic of conversation, with one viewer noting, 'Insurance would never believe you if you didn’t have that video.'

But beyond the viral sensation, this event casts a spotlight on a serious issue: the alarming rise in animal collisions on Australian roads. According to AAMI's latest animal collision report, such incidents have surged by 22 percent year-on-year. A staggering 54 percent of Aussie drivers have experienced an animal collision, and worryingly, over 40 percent admit to ignoring wildlife warning signs.

The most frequent victims are kangaroos, except in Tasmania. Kristie Newton from WIRES attributes this increase to habitat loss and extreme weather, which force animals into urban areas in search of sustenance and shelter. The consequences are often fatal for the wildlife and can be dangerous for drivers too.

In light of these troubling statistics, it's crucial for drivers to heed wildlife warning signs and stay vigilant, especially during dawn and dusk when animals are most active. If you do happen to hit an animal, WIRES urges you to stop and check on it, search for joeys if it's a marsupial, and if safe to do so, move the animal off the road to prevent further accidents. Always call WIRES at 1300 094 737 or a local vet for assistance.

This driver's encounter with the fox is a reminder of the unexpected encounters that can occur on Australian roads and the importance of being prepared for anything. It's also a call to action to protect our unique wildlife and their habitats, ensuring that Australia's weird and wonderful environment continues to thrive for generations to come.

Key Takeaways

• An Australian driver was astonished to find a red fox stuck in his car's front grill after hitting it at 80km/h in Virginia, South Australia.
• The driver shared footage of the trapped fox on TikTok, with the videos going viral and being viewed over 400,000 times.
• After waiting for an emergency vet, the fox was sedated and safely removed from the car, to the relief of the driver.
• AAMI's latest animal collision report indicates a significant increase in animal collisions on Australian roads, with wildlife being displaced by habitat loss and extreme weather.

So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, let's share our own experiences and tips on how to safely navigate our roads while coexisting with the incredible creatures that call Australia home. Have you ever had a close call with wildlife while driving? What measures do you take to avoid such incidents? Join the conversation below and let's learn from each other's experiences.

 

[glennkidd]

Yes dodge a kangaroo and go headlong into an oncoming car, or pull up suddenly and get slammed from behind by a Semi.
Just saying.
Take care yes.

 

[Dennis]

Whilst driving from Adelaide to NSW to see my son I pulled into a garage for petrol and whilst talking to the owner he told me he had a car pull in the week before with no windscreen and no back window, he had hit a kangaroo which fortunately went down the Passenger side.

Dennis R's Afternoon Joke A farmer was in a field with his dog counting sheep, I count forty-eight sheep said the Farmer, I count 50 said the dog, What? I counted 4 times, I know I am right, how on earth did you count an extra 2 sheep? asked the farmer. " You told me to round up "