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LOCAL residents and animal welfare were shocked after as many as 11 kangaroos and a wombat were shot dead in the Marrangaroo National Park on Monday night.
At least two of the animals were critically injured and left to die by the attackers.
The incident was brought to the Mercury’s attention by Lithgow residents Karen and Peter Brown who visited the national park on Monday night.
“It was about 9.45pm when we heard the gunshots,” Mrs Brown said.
“We called the police immediately but by the time they arrived the shooters had already left.”
Licensed WIRES Rescuer and Carer Lesleigh Hatton, along with Mr and Mrs Brown was among the first on the scene the following morning and found many dead kangaroos scattered throughout the national park.
“There were freshly killed kangaroos and a dead wombat shot and just left there,” Miss Hatton said.
“I checked the pouches of the dead females in case of joeys and found two.”
Lesleigh then discovered to her horror a mature male kangaroo lying on a nearby grassy slope still breathing and struggling to move.
“On looking closer I saw he had been shot through the side, close to the spine and his legs were paralysed,” she said.
Another Wildlife Rescue officer was called to the scene to euthanase the suffering animal but due to logistical problems was unable to arrive until five hours later.
“I made him as comfortable as possible, gave him sips of water and shaded him with a sun shade from my car,” Miss Hatton said.
Police were also notified but were unable to attend due to other commitments.
The scenes were reminiscent of a similar shooting that took place late last year when 23 kangaroos were found either dead or dying in the Marrangaroo National Park following a rampage by shooters.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Upper Mountains Area Manager Richard Kingswood said the incident was illegal and cruel. ?
“Wildlife Carers Network Central West notified us of the deaths of the animals which were found inside the national park on Tuesday morning.
“Perhaps even more distressing is that some of the animals were still alive with severe injuries.
“Wildlife Carers Network Central West took some of the animals into care and were forced to have others euthanased due to the extent of their injuries.
“Joeys were also found in the pouches of some of the injured kangaroos.
“These acts are illegal and cruel on many levels.
“All native wildlife are protected in NSW and it is against the law to harm them.
“In addition, this incident occurred within the boundaries of a national park, where it is illegal to carry firearms without appropriate authority.
“NPWS is appalled at these acts and is interested in hearing from anyone with any information.
“With co-operation from local police, NPWS will also be stepping up patrolling of the area in response to these activities,” Mr Kingswood said.
The NPWS is investigating the illegal shooting in conjunction with local police.
Anyone with information is urged to contact NPWS Upper Mountains Area office on 02 4787 8877 or their local police station.
Penalties for harming native wildlife can be up to $11,000, six months imprisonment, or both.