Don’t Become ROADKILL

                         Insider tips to avoiding wildlife

provided by Brad Greaves of Ignace Outpost – Ignace Ontario 

      Moose, Bear and Deer are thriling sites on your visit to Canada,   

    but occassionally...too thrilling. In many areas of Canada we share

    the roadway with unintended big game animals. Even though most

    accidients occur betwen 5-8 am and 6 pm to midnight, hitting a large

    animal on the road will ruin your trip at anytime of day. Here are helpful

    tips you can use to avoid an incident with an animal:

• Use high beams when possible
• Be sure your windshield is clean and your lights are working
• Scan the road continuously from shoulder to shoulder
• Be aware that in most animal/vehicle accidents the animal was “just barely” on the paved portion of the road
• At night, watch for flashes of the small glowing eyes of animals
• Wildlife crossing signs do actually indicate areas of increased risk
• Always slow down when passing wildlife – they may suddenly turn or dart into your path
• Remain alert after passing an animal, it may be with others or with young
• Never attempt extreme manoeuvres to avoid a collision.
  It may not seem logical but don't swerve to avoid an animal. It is often better to clip the animal than to loose control of your vehicle and end up head on in the other lane or rolled over in the ditch.
• Don’t assume the animal will move out of your way
• Watch your speed, KPH and MPH are different!
• Moose, Bear and Deer are large enough to activate your airbags when you hit them. Keep this in mind as you sip from a bottle or cup in the front seat.
• You don’t often hit the animals you see.
• If you hit a bear, do not stop to see if he is alright. A wounded bear is not an animal you would want to visit with for any length of time.
• If you come across a fox, rabbit, bird, or other small animal on the roadway, don't leave your lane. See the note above about swerving.