Travelers Beware of Wildlife

Posted on October 24, 2012

It’s that time of year again when deer, elk, moose, bears and other wildlife species are on the move—and wildlife and car collisions increase. This fall season means that animals are out and more active at dawn, dusk and after darkness—and more drivers see them on and along highways and streets.

Yes, it’s the time of year that hunters and wildlife watchers enjoy, many car collision repair centers profit from—and most insurance companies hate.

In Vermont, one study discovered that: “The primary known cause of non-hunting moose deaths (mortalities) in Vermont is motor vehicles. Since the beginning of Vermont’s moose study in September 1980, nearly 70% of these reported mortalities were due to collisions with motor vehicles.” More details are at: http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/vtcritters/animals.cfm?cat=mammals&species=Moose

Another recent report indicates that drivers in the U.S. have more than 1 million encounters with deer each year with their cars. West Virginia reportedly leads the nation in these type encounters. Hundreds of drivers are killed and thousands are injured across America each year because of such wildlife/car collisions. Game departments across America are now issuing warnings and telling drivers to take precautions.

There are ways to avoid car and wildlife collisions:

• Be alert when driving at dawn and dusk, especially in rural areas.
• When possible, drive with your high beam headlights on to increase the distance you can see.
• When you see a deer, bear, or other animal along the road, slow down or stop, then sound the car horn in one long continuous blast.
• When you see a deer, elk or other animal cross the road ahead of you, slow down or stop when possible and proceed with caution because another animal will possibly follow.
• Avoid—or reduce—driving activity at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active.
• Always wear your seat belt when driving and as a passenger.

Some states permit the driver to keep any wildlife killed as a result of a car collision—and some states do not permit this. Check with law enforcement before removing any wildlife killed as a result of a collision.

Share

Print

Discussion