More and more as urban "improvements" nudge their way onto all remaining open land, our little animal friends have nowhere to go. In any given day, you’ll see two or three road kill; raccoons, squirrels- or worse, the family cat-that have met their maker under the wheels of an automobile.

Young animals in particular-newly fledged birds, for instance-haven’t yet developed the skills needed to help them dodge cars. Baby raccoons, woodchucks, rabbits, skunks and others haven’t yet learned that roads are dangerous. Accustomed to having the freedom to roam, they often wander off their safe trails and hit modern civilization head-on.

Turtles often cross the road in spring to lay their eggs in appropriate spots. Many a time I’ve had to pull the car over and wait while Mother Goose trails her little crossing over to the other side of the road. Ever aware, I’ve learned to scan the road as I drive, watching the edges for wildlife that is about to cross. Getting into the habit of watching for wildlife has helped me to hone my skills and become more alert to bicyclists, children or slowly moving vehicles.

"Wildlife collisions are traumatic for drivers and almost always fatal for animals," says Susan Hagood, head of HSUS’ efforts to prevent and reduce accidents.

Collisions with wildlife increase dramatically during the fall months, due to mating season for deer, moose and other large mammals. Young squirrels must travel to find their own territories, and compete with older animals to find and store enough acorns and nuts to survive the coming winter. The onset of hunting season and change back to Standard Time disrupt normal patterns for wildlife and drivers.

Promoting the protection of all animals, the Human Society of the United States have compiled a list of suggestions for driving with wildlife in mind that include the following:

Be especially watchful for wildlife at dawn, dusk and in the first few hours after darkness falls. Many species are active at these times.

Edges of roads that are bordered by agricultural fields or natural habitats often harbor wildlife and animals are more often seen here.

Assume that animals you encounter do not know how to get out of your way. They do not recognize cars as a threat.

Lower your dashboard lights so you’ll be more likely to see the reflection of your headlights in the eyes of animals near the road.

Every apple core, French fry or hamburger wrapper you toss out the car window attracts wildlife to roadsides. Never throw any litter from your car.

Remember that where there is one animal crossing, there may be more.

Try to slow down, especially in wooded areas and after dark. Many animals become victims to someone driving too fast for conditions. Speed poses a risk to animal and human safety alike.

If you should injure an animal don’t put your own safety at risk. Unless there is a way to move the animal out of the road safely, do not try to do so. Use your hazard lights or emergency flares to warn oncoming traffic of the injured animal. If you need assistance, call the non-emergency number of the local police or the operator on your cell phone, and describe the animal’s location. Emphasize that the injured animal may be a traffic hazard. Stay in the area until help arrives.

Recently while out walking I noticed a police officer stop and open the trunk of his squad car. He put on a pair of gloves and opened a small suitcase. In it was a shovel he used to move a dead raccoon out of the middle of the road. I told him I was glad to see that he did such a thing. He responded that if the animal was left in the road drivers would attempt to go around it and may swerve into oncoming traffic.

If you should hit a deer or other large animal, do not attempt to handle it. The animal could bite you. Large or small, the animal cannot know that you are trying to help and may bite or scratch in defense. Use heavy gloves to protect yourself or avoid any handling at all.

Gently coax or place the animal into a cardboard box or blanket and transport it to a shelter, wildlife rehabilitator, if you’re aware of one, or a receptive local veterinarian. Keep the animal in a dark, warm, quiet place to minimize fear and stress.

If you accidentally kill an animal, try to move it off the road, providing you can do so safely. Otherwise, report the location to the police who will arrange to have the body removed. This will prevent scavengers from being attracted to it, eliminating potential traffic hazards.

Maintaining a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you is also a good practice. Some of the human fatalities attributed to deer collisions occurred when the animal was struck by a vehicle then flipped onto the windshield of the car behind it. Keeping some room between you and the vehicle ahead of you enables you to better see and avoid animals.

It is possible to learn to predict where wildlife are likely to be seen. This will keep you alert so that you remember to drive defensively to avoid animals in those areas.

Copyright 2004. Susan Frissell. Women With Wheels. All Rights Reserved.