Australia probes killing of 65 kangaroos

Australian authorities announced on Thursday that they are investigating the illegal killing of at least 65 kangaroos, which were found either shot or seemingly rammed by a vehicle. The discovery was made in rural paddocks about 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Melbourne, after a local wildlife shelter alerted Victorian wildlife officials.

"At least three of the kangaroos were found alive but had to be euthanized due to the severity of their injuries," said the state's Conservation Regulator. "Two kangaroo joeys were recovered and are currently being cared for at a wildlife shelter."

The marsupials had suffered fatal gunshot wounds and injuries consistent with being rammed by a vehicle, according to the regulator. Used shotgun cartridges were found at the scene.

Although kangaroos are protected in Australia, the most common species are not endangered, meaning they can be legally shot and killed with government permission in most jurisdictions. Kangaroo populations in Australia fluctuate between 30 million and 60 million, and they are often culled to manage their numbers.

Kangaroos have a "boom and bust" population cycle; their numbers can increase significantly when fodder is plentiful following a good wet season. Additionally, up to five million kangaroos are shot annually as part of an industry that harvests their carcasses for meat, pet food, and leather.