Due to the extent of the floods and prolonged rainy days, a large number of burrowing animals such as echidnas and wombats are feared to have been drowned in their inundated burrows. Continuous downpours and floods are usually detrimental for wildlife, though the degree to which the disaster has affected wild animals will become apparent after the floodwaters subside. Moreover, wildlife workers had rescued kangaroos stuck in drainpipes, animals hit by cars after escaping for safer ground, and as well as turtles and seabirds who were swept away from their natural habitat.[40]