Steer Clear of Wildlife

October through January are bad months for deer vehicle collisions. Highway engineers put roads in the middle of wildlife habitat. As a result, deer must cross roads for shelter and mates and run for their lives from hunters.

The Humane Society of the United States has tips to avoid wildlife vehicle collisions:

1. Scan both sides of the road as you drive and watch out for wildlife at the edges.
2. Deer are on the move during the full moon when night seems like dawn to them.
3. Wildlife traffic is highest at dusk and for several hours after sunset, and at dawn.
4. Limit driving at night if you can. Reduce your speed when wildlife traffic is highest and when it’s raining or foggy.
5. Deer slow down on wet surfaces to avoid falling.
6. If you hit a deer, call 911, report the incident even if the animal leaves the roadway.Explain the danger to other motorists. Unless the animal is euthanized it dies in agony from its internal injuries.

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they aren’t so great at staying away from busy roads.

We see many animals as we venture out and about and raccoons are no exception. Unfortunately, most of the ones I have seen have met with a vehicle and they don’t look so cute.

Stay alert when you are on the road and watch out for these creatures. You’ll often find a higher population of raccoons if you travel close to water sources as their dens are always close to water.

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"Are you watching out for me?"

You’ve heard it before, STAY ALERT, while you are driving.

That does mean all the time, but at night, you need to be extra alert and mindful of the deer and other wildlife that will attempt to cross your path. They haven’t been raised with the same warning as we have about being careful and checking over and over again before crossing a street. It just takes one second for a collision to happen that could potentially be damaging for you, your vehicle, and an animal.

Stay alert while you are driving and warn others if you see deer crossing the road – where there is one, there may be many.

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According to the State Farm press release in October 2011, Pennsylvania is one of the highest risk states for deer-vehicle collisions.

Some things you can do:

1. When you see the deer crossing signs on the side of the road, or the public awareness ones we have posted around the area, pay close attention. These are located in areas where there is a high deer population.
2. Don’t Litter. This seems like a no-brainer, and there are many reasons not to litter, including the attraction to wildlife it could convey. We don’t want to encourage them to come anywhere near the road. This includes food, paper, etc.
3. If you see one deer, there are most likely more to come.
4. Use your high beams when possible.
5. Stay alert while you are driving. Always watch the road and pay attention to the surroundings.
6. Keep your windshield clean.

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