You're somewhat prepared for the extra mosquitos and locusts that the wet conditions also tend to bring.
If you're smart, you've already done an advanced driving course or other skills-based activity to help you be prepared for anything you may suddenly encounter.
You appreciate how precious life is and know not to trust little kids to stay off the road, so you obey every rule and make it easier for everyone, pedestrians included, to share the road with you.
You've all agreed that it's a good idea to listen to things that are new to you so that your time away stands out to be remembered as a separate experience to the everyday.
You're even at least trying to use some percentage of biofuel (such as E10 unleaded petrol) to reduce your tailpipe emissions.
But, after all that readiness, are you still worried about hitting a kangaroo on your travels around many parts of Australia?
You should be.
If there's one type of creature that has benefitted from the copious amounts of land clearing done by settlers for the purpose of grazing it would have to be these marsupials and their distant wallaby cousins.
Lately they've been doing extremely well thanks to the aforementioned La Nina doing its thing and bringing wetter-than-average weather to at least the eastern two thirds of Australia. Grass grows fast and a mob of roos is smart and energetic enough to drove themselves around to the best spots.
However, they're not that great with road sense (just like little humans), and if the feed they want is right next to that unnatural hard surface, then they're having it.
Every year though, regardless of the weather pattern, they've been doing so well that the arguments about culling practices and target numbers is a topic that keeps coming back on a regular basis.
To my mind though, what I don't get is why they're considered a pest when they are in fact native and a potential solution that's been staring us in the face every time one gets caught in our headlights.
I know I'm not going to win favour with any vegetarians here, but for the many carnivores out there, can you explain to me why we don't eat more roo meat?
Perhaps it's just a marketing issue.
It's arguably superior to other red meats including a higher density of protein (side note; there's no protein shortage anywhere that can afford to buy food, that's a myth; it doesn't have to come from animals either).
From a sustainability standpoint, RMIT says that roos can produce far less greenhouse gasses than introduced ruminants based on food consumed and meat yield, if the roo is well-fed. UOW research indicates this is due to the way they process that feed. It seems the faster it moves the less time their gut microbes have to produce such gasses.
They also don't really need more land to be cleared (certainly not the same level of deforestation that other grazers require), or any introduced grain to be grown. They're native creatures and will eat what is supposed to grow here normally. Sustainable.org also says they eat less than other grazing animals, and even their physical footprint is softer, further reducing damage to the land.
In terms of its preparation, just like anything else, there's a right way to do it. Roo meat can be marinated or spiced the same as other meats, but it definitely needs to be cooked slower, and preferably with some moisture added. It's also so low in fat that it genuinely needs some vegetable oil added (especially if you've gone keto like me).
Meanwhile, if you encounter injured wildlife of any species on your travels, Wildlife Rescue Australia has a national wildlife rescue hotline. You can call 1300 596 457 any time day or night to report a sick, injured, or orphaned animal. There are also state, territory or regionally-based organisations that perform wildlife rescues any time.
