A heartbreaking cassowary fatality near Mission Beach has reignited calls for urgent changes to road rules and driver behaviour in Far North Queensland.
Dylan Anderson
Cassowary Hit Near Mission Beach
Queensland's Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) confirmed that a cassowary was struck by a vehicle on Tully Mission Beach Road last Thursday. The male bird, seen earlier that day with two juveniles, suffered critical injuries and had to be humanely euthanised.
The cassowary's young chicks, although unharmed, were left to survive alone in the wild. Authorities believe the birds are mature enough to adapt, and will continue to monitor them in the coming weeks.
Wildlife Hotspot with High-Speed Risks
Mission Beach is internationally renowned for its cassowary population, but the region’s high-speed limits pose serious threats to these endangered birds. Speed limits on the road where the incident occurred reach up to 100km/h, prompting locals to demand reductions, particularly in known cassowary zones.
The tragedy has struck a chord with the Mission Beach community, many of whom are familiar with the cassowaries that roam the area. Wildlife advocates have renewed their pleas for drivers to stay alert and slow down when travelling through native animal habitats.
Growing National Concern
The incident highlights a broader issue in Australia. According to the NRMA, over 12,000 wildlife collision claims were made in 2024, making it one of the worst years in the past five. Most incidents occur in autumn and winter, coinciding with shorter days and increased nocturnal animal activity.
Wildlife groups say the death toll could be reduced if drivers took basic precautions such as reducing speed and avoiding distractions.
Dylan Anderson
Feeding Making the Problem Worse
Adding to the challenge, authorities report that some cassowaries are crossing roads more frequently due to human feeding. This dangerous behaviour puts both the animals and drivers at risk. Tourists and locals have been repeatedly warned never to feed wildlife or leave food scraps behind.
In recent months, cassowaries have been seen venturing into campsites and even chasing people for food, indicating how habituated some have become. Officials stress that feeding wildlife is not only illegal, but also disrupts their natural behaviour and increases the risk of road accidents.
How Queenslanders Can Help
Authorities have outlined steps residents and visitors can take to protect cassowaries and other wildlife:
- Never approach or feed cassowaries
- Discard food scraps in secure bins
- Drive slowly through cassowary territory
- Do not stop vehicles to observe wildlife
- Keep dogs fenced or on a leash
Sightings of cassowaries should be reported to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service on 1300 130 372.
As tourism season picks up and traffic increases, officials urge all Queensland drivers to be extra vigilant. Slowing down and staying alert could make the difference between life and death for some of Australia’s most vulnerable native animals.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
