Roads are a potential threat for wildlife for a number of reasons. Because roads
are surrounded by diverse habitats (short grass by the road, then taller grass
and shrubs, and then trees--also called the edge effect), there are a lot of
different wildlife species along them. From the mice and other rodents that
feed on the vegetation, to the predators such as foxes and birds of prey that
hunt the rodents, to the scavengers such as opossums and turkey vultures that
clean up the remains of road-killed animals, the density of animals increases
the odds of their being hit by cars.
Many animals, especially deer, also use roads as travel corridors or frequently
cross roads as they move within their habitat ranges. With the inevitable increase
in development and human population densities, the odds of encountering an animal
crossing a road will increase.
Deer occupy historic ranges, and use established routes within these ranges.
Where these trails cross roads there is a concentration of deer. Deer crossing
signs are there for a reason. They mark the areas where these trails cross the
roads. When you see these signs, please slow down and alert yourself to the
possibility of deer close by.
For
the wildlife rehabilitator, deer that are hit by cars are the worst kind of
nightmare. Besides frequently having massive injuries, they simply do not do
well in captivity and do not respond well to treatment. Invariably, they die
due to the cumulative stress of their injuries and of being handled by people
who are, after all, just another predator to them. For those of us who have
dedicated our lives to helping injured animals, this is a very frustrating situation.
Sometimes you may not be able to avoid colliding with a wild animal, especially
at night when they seem to appear out of nowhere. But by being aware of the
potential for collisions, slowing down, watching for signs, and paying attention
as you drive through these areas, you can prevent injuries to many wild animals
(and humans, too).
Roads are a potential threat for wildlife for a number of reasons. Because roads
are surrounded by diverse habitats (short grass by the road, then taller grass
and shrubs, and then trees--also called the edge effect), there are a lot of
different wildlife species along them. From the mice and other rodents that
feed on the vegetation, to the predators such as foxes and birds of prey that
hunt the rodents, to the scavengers such as opossums and turkey vultures that
clean up the remains of road-killed animals, the density of animals increases
the odds of their being hit by cars.
For
the wildlife rehabilitator, deer that are hit by cars are the worst kind of
nightmare. Besides frequently having massive injuries, they simply do not do
well in captivity and do not respond well to treatment. Invariably, they die
due to the cumulative stress of their injuries and of being handled by people
who are, after all, just another predator to them. For those of us who have
dedicated our lives to helping injured animals, this is a very frustrating situation.