Roadkill is a horrific yet common problem that affects many different species of animals, but some animals are more susceptible to being hit by cars than others. Here are some of the animals that are most commonly hit by cars:
Deer
Deer are one of the most commonly hit animals on the road, and they're often hit by cars when crossing the road or when startled by vehicles. Opossums Opossums are also commonly hit by cars, and they're often killed when crossing the road at night. Raccoons Raccoons are another animal that is frequently hit by cars, and they're often killed when crossing the road or when rummaging through garbage near the road. Squirrels Squirrels are often hit by cars when running across the road or when they're chasing each other. Skunks Skunks are also commonly hit by cars, and they're often killed when crossing the road or when foraging for food near the road.
With so many animals killed on the road every year (at least one million a day, by some estimates). there's a great case to be made for wildlife crossings.
In addition to these animals, many other species of wildlife, including birds, snakes, and turtles, are frequently hit by cars. To help prevent roadkill, it's important to be alert and cautious when driving, especially in areas where wildlife is likely to be present. By slowing down and being more aware, we can help reduce the number of animals that are killed on the road.
0 Comments
Roadkill is a common and tragic problem that affects both wildlife and humans. It occurs when animals are hit and killed by vehicles on the road, and it can have serious consequences for the animals involved as well as for the drivers and passengers in the vehicles.
Fortunately, there are steps we can take to prevent roadkill and protect both wildlife and human safety. Here are some tips for how to prevent roadkill:
Slow down One of the most effective ways to prevent roadkill is to slow down and be more cautious when driving. This is especially important when driving in areas where wildlife is likely to be present, such as in rural or forested areas. Be alert and watch for wildlife Always be on the lookout for animals on or near the road, and be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary. This is especially important at dawn and dusk, when many animals are most active. Use your headlights Turn on your headlights when driving at night, even if you don't think there are any animals nearby. This will help you see animals on or near the road, and it will also make your vehicle more visible to other drivers. Avoid distractions Distracted driving is a major cause of road accidents, and it can increase the risk of hitting an animal on the road. Avoid using your phone or other distractions while driving, and always keep your eyes on the road. Report roadkill If you see an animal that has been killed on the road, report it to the appropriate authorities. This can help them identify areas where roadkill is a problem, and it can also help them take steps to prevent future incidents.
By following these tips, you can help prevent roadkill and protect both wildlife and human safety. It's important to remember that we all have a responsibility to share the road with wildlife, and by being more aware and cautious, we can make a big difference.
Find out more about wildlife crossings and a future free from roadkill.
First of all, we highly recommend all wildlife-conscious people carry a couple of wildlife rehabilitator phone numbers in their phones at all times. That way if you’re the person on the scene of a wildlife-vehicle collision (WVC), or you’re faced with an orphaned or injured animal in someone’s backyard, you have resources at your fingertips and you know whom to call. Here’s how to find a wildlife rehabilitator in your area.
How wildlife rehabilitators help injured animals
Wildlife rehabilitators are specially trained, educated and licensed professionals working in partnership with a licensed veterinarian to care for sick, orphaned or injured animals and helping them return to their natural environment. Through wildlife rehabilitation, the animals receive appropriate nourishment for their species as well as medical care in an environment that meets certain standards. Depending on your area, a wildlife rehabilitator may only accept certain types of animals and may refer you to another organization for assistance with other species. But a wildlife rehabilitation center is a great place to start. Otherwise, it is often the state game commission or department of fisheries and wildlife that has oversight of animal removal and assistance on the roads. If you have trouble getting through to someone, anyone—People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has a number you can call and they'll support you in finding a resource: (757) 622-PETA.
Should you stop if you hit an animal?
Yes, absolutely! Some states even have laws about leaving the scene of a WVC (often referring to livestock, dogs and horses) so it's always good to pull over, and either back up your car to the scene of the accident, or get out of your car and approach when it appears safe—whether from vehicular traffic or from the animal's reaction. An animal in fear or distress, such as a deer, could kick you, and many small animals bite and scratch and carry rabies.
If it is a baby animal, be extremely cautious exiting your car and approaching as its angry and protective parents are most likely near by. This is the time to call for help! If the animal is approachable and injured, it is fine to cover the animal with a blanket for comfort from cold and shock. You can also place something gently over the animal's head to help calm it as vision and sensory input will add to its fear and panic. Do NOT touch the animal with your bare hands. Find something (great idea to always carry a blanket or towel of some sort in your trunk) to cover it with and/or use the blanket to help move the animal off the roadway so it is not put in further danger of being hit. After you have gotten through to a wildlife rehabilitator or the game commission for your state and region, they'll advise you further on what to do. If possible, remain with the animal, which will likely be in pain and terrified. Staying with the animal can help prevent further road traffic from hitting it and can also keep predators away.
Michelle Buntin [Public domain]
What if I hit and killed a small animal on the road?
|
![]()
HEY! Have you stopped by The Wildlife Corridor Store yet? Get your End Roadkill T-shirt and other cool duds from car magnets galore and more. 100% of proceeds of all sales go to wildlife rescue and rehab.
|
People are often baffled by deer behavior on the roads, sharing stories of deer not only darting out into the road but jumping right into the side of the car or stopped in the middle of the road, "caught in the headlights."
Here are some tips from Natural Forests on how to avoid hitting a deer while driving:
- Waterways are natural passages for wildlife. Keep an eye out for deer on sides of bridges.
- Ask passengers to help you keep an eye out for deer. Agree on quick way to communicate, such as "Deer, right!"
- Deer-vehicle collisions happen more often on two-lane highways where the speed limit is 55 mph.
- Don't honk your horn. It could spook the animal and make it dart in the wrong direction. Just slow down and give it time to move.
- Animal crossings can reduce risk of animal-vehicle collisions by 80%!
Have any other guidance on how to avoid hitting a deer while driving? Feel free to submit your comments below! And be sure to see what other resources National Forests has put out there. The It's All Yours campaign about appreciation of our national forests and grasslands is truly inspiring.
Support the bipartisan Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act 2019
This proposal is for a massive conservation effort to preserve and restore native species that are diminishing due to loss of habitat. It's super easy to show your support thanks to Wildlands Network via this quick contact form to your local representatives.
This proposal is for a massive conservation effort to preserve and restore native species that are diminishing due to loss of habitat. It's super easy to show your support thanks to Wildlands Network via this quick contact form to your local representatives.
Kennerly clay
Spreading the word, for wildlife.
Archives
December 2022
November 2019
October 2019
Categories
All
Roadkill
Wildlife Corridors
Wildlife Habitat
Wildlife Rehab
Wildlife Vehicle Collisions