Vol. 5 Issue 4, Fall 2000
By The Humane Society of the United States (reprinted with permission)
Be especially watchful for wildlife at dawn, duck, and in the first few hours after darkness falls. Many wild animals are particularly active at these times.
Edges of roads that are bordered by natural habitat or agricultural fields are places to be especially watchful for wildlife.
Assume that animals you encounter do not know to get out of your way. Young animals, in particular, don’t recognize that cars are a threat.
Look for the reflection of your headlights in the eyes of animals near the road as an early warning that you may need to brake for an animal crossing. Lowering your dash lights slightly will increase the likelihood that you’ll see this reflection.
Each mid- to late-fall, be especially watchful for deer. This is not only their breeding season, but the start of hunting season; both make them more active.
Remember to watch for other animals following the first one you see; there may be a male in pursuit of a mate or young animals following their mother.
Try to slow down, especially when driving after dark. Many animals become victims of cars driven too fast.
Fall is a prime time to drive with deer in mind…
White-tailed deer are one of the largest and now most familiar wild animals encountered in our communities, attracted by the veritable “salad bars” in our gardens and yards. Even on the trail of a tasty azalea, most deer are careful crossing roads – but not in the fall. With the onset of the “rut” or mating season, bucks chase does or other bucks, paying no attention to where they are going; hunting season also opens, and guns fire, causing deer to panic and run; and young adult deer disperse to find new territories. Keep these facts in mind as you “Steer Clear of Deer!”
Source: The Humane Society of the United States