A MOTHER with a joey in her pouch is among dozens of dead kangaroos which have been found on a beach in Australia after they hopped into the sea to escape a massive bushfire.

Heartbreaking images show up to 40 kangaroo carcasses washed up on the shoreline of Bribie Island, in Queensland, Australia.

4 The animals carcasses litter the shoreline after drowning the sea

4 A mother can be seen with a joey in her pouch

4

The animals were thought to be fleeing for the water after bushfires near Top Swamp and Ocean Beach campsite quickly spread.

The grim discovery was made by pilots who were flying over the beaches.

One pilot tweeted: “Dead kangaroos all over Bribie Island, I flew over them, has anyone heard anything about it?”

A spokesperson for the Department of Environment and Science (DES) said: “The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has contained the fire in the northern section of Bribie Island.

“QPWS will continue to monitor the fire throughout the weekend to keep it contained. The cause of the fire will be investigated.

“Unfortunately, uncontrolled bushfires do claim the lives of native animals. DES will conduct an assessment of the impact to protected areas and native species.”

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Residents have been warned to contact the appropriate authorities to deal with injured wildlife.

“If you come across a sick, injured or orphaned animal, please do not touch or attempt to help the animal yourself. Instead contact RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or your local wildlife carer.”

4 It is unclear what sparked the bushfire

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