Otters, pigs, and even a wallaby are among 1645 recorded animals killed in collisions on England’s roads, with drivers in the north of the country accounting for a higher number than their regional counterparts.

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 southern shores reported significantly fewer numbers, but still disappointingly high, with 450 animals killed. This figure comprises 261 (16%) in the South West, and 189 (11%) in the South East.

The East Midlands appears to have the most vigilant – or lucky – drivers, accounting for just 8% of the total figure. Deer make up more than a quarter (26%) of all reported roadkill; foxes are the next worst hit, literally, as the second largest group (10%).

Comparatively, the more rural East of England claims responsibility for 177 recorded animal fatalities, just shy of 11% of the national figure – 4% 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 illusive creatures are mainly found in rivers in the south west.