Preparing for wildlife as drivers hit the road this holiday season

Deer, moose, and bears are some of the animals you might see.

Conservation officers say that the animals can act similarly to drivers; reacting to situations on the road rather than being proactive.

“When they see the headlights, they kind of freeze and they don’t know what to do. It’s not necessarily that they’re going to go towards the headlights. It’s just that they go ‘oh no, what do I do now?’. So that’s why if you see wildlife it’s important to use your high beams, flash em off, and then just slow right down so that the deer knows.” said Hilary Desmarais, Conservation Officer.

Dusk and dawn are the two times when animal-involved accidents are the most prominent.

Accidents have already begun, including one earlier this week in the hart involving a moose and two cars.

ICBC says that even with precautions such as flickering headlights, there’s one remedy that’s safest.

“Big thing is speed. So as you’re approaching and you see an animal, make sure you slow down. Where’s there’s one, there’s probably more and when it comes to the animals.” said Mac Donald.

If an accident involving animals does happen to you, make sure you contact both emergency services and conservation service.

by Oli Herrera

Preparing for wildlife as drivers hit the road this holiday season

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