WHAT YOU CAN TO HELP WILDLIFE WHILE DRIVING:

Tips for driving with wildlife in mind:

	Scan the edges of the road for wildlife that is about to cross. Be particularly watchful at areas where edges are bordered by brush and shrubbery.
	Pay particular attention at dawn and dusk when many species of wildlife are most active.
	Don't assume that animals know to get out of your way. Young animals may not recognize that cars are dangerous.
	Never throw litter of any kind out of your car. Every sandwich wrapper or apple core attracts wildlife to roadsides and potential danger.
	Where there is one animal crossing, there are often more. Be aware that young animals follow their mothers, males may be pursuing mates and deer usually travel in small herds.
	After seeing an animal on or near the side the road, flash your headlights on and off. Oncoming cars will surely slow down if they think there is a speed trap ahead. Fog lights are particularly helpful at illuminating the road's periphery.
	Try to slow down after dark. Most animals become victims simply because people were driving too fast to avoid hitting them.
	Spring and early summer are the prime times to drive with wildlife in mind. Newly fledged birds may not have developed the skills to dodge around cars, young mammals may not have learned that roads are dangerous and turtles may be crossing roads to lay their eggs.

If you do hit an animal while driving...

	Never assume that the animal will cooperate. The animal cannot know that you are trying to help and may bite or scratch in self defense.
	If you do hit an adult animal during "baby season", check for babies in the area. Baby opossums may still be in their mother's pouch.
	Roadkill is an important food source for many animals who may also end up victims. Move dead animals to the side of the road with a stick or shovel (only if you can do so safely).

  Text courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States and Wildlife In Crisis, Inc.

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