Wallabies are the latest animals to be killed (Image: Getty)

       Numerous animals have been killed on the roads, with unusual species including wallabies and otters among those being hit by vehicles.

       There were 1,645 recorded animals killed in collisions on England's roads, with drivers in the north of the country accounting for a higher number.

       The actual number is thought to be much higher - with not all road users reporting collisions.

       The data sourced by Leasing.com from Highways England through a freedom of information request – and which tracked reported roadkill figures from May 2022 to May 2023 – shows that 398 animals have been killed in the north west, and a similar number (387) in the north east, in the past 12 months.

       The East Midlands appears to have the most vigilant – or lucky – drivers, accounting for just eight percent of the total figure. Deer make up more than a quarter (26 percent) of all reported roadkill; foxes are the next as the second largest group (10 percent), reports WalesOnline.

       READ MORE: Police officer in dangerous driving probe after boys killed in horror crash

       Otters have also been killed on UK roads (Image: Getty)

       Comparatively, the more rural East of England claims responsibility for 177 recorded animal fatalities, just shy of 11 percent of the national figure – four percent lower than the entire Midlands region.

       The data also revealed some unexpected findings. On the A38 in Cornwall, a wallaby was struck and killed in Tideford.

       Although more common in the Australian Outback than in the English countryside, ‘wild’ wallabies have been regularly sighted in the south west of England, most likely escapees from a local wildlife park.

       Six otters were also reported killed in collisions in England’s roads this year. The elusive creatures are mainly found in rivers in the south west.

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       UK Roads Rarest Roadkill:

       Wallaby

       1

       Otter

       6

       Pig

       4

       Donkey

       1

       Hare

       3

       Horse

       4

       Ferret

       1

       Cow

       5

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       Dave Timmis, the CEO of Leasing.com, says the data shows drivers must remain cautious on British roads.

       He said: “Whereas most modern vehicles have technology to help drivers avoid collisions and warn of danger ahead, it is important that drivers pay heed to warning signs to protect native – and not so native species – from harm!”

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