LAOKO president Elena Guarracino said volunteers are caring for 45 rescued orphans at the moment, two picked up in the last week.

“The orphans were all the result of accidents,” Mrs Guarracino said.

LAOKO volunteers mark each animal they check with fluorescent paint, an unpleasant task and gruesome sight for visitors but in lieu of warning signs a necessary reminder of the dangers associated with travelling on country roads.

“It’s a good reminder for people to slow down and just be more aware that there are animals about,” she said.

“And that if you do hit an animal it is a legal requirement to stop and render assistance.”

Mrs Guarracino said she was collecting data on the number of accidents involving wildlife in a bid to get council and the Roads and Traffic Authority to put more warning signs along the road.

“As far as I know there is only one near Jindabyne,” she said.

“I understand roads are the RTA’s decision but I was hoping council might be able to put something up, either a banner or by attaching something to some of their signs.”

LAOKO are looking for licensed shooters to volunteer to assist with the euthanasia of large animals. They will cover the $75 cost associated with the upgrade of the licence required to undertake the work and insurance.