JACKSON, Wyo. — In light of Grizzly 610’s vehicular injury earlier this month, the time is ripe to explore best practices for drivers who find themselves in the unfortunate position of having hit an animal.
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that the best way to avoid a wildlife-vehicle collision is to reduce driving speed, thus improving reaction time. But accidents do happen.
Buckrail consulted multiple agencies about what drivers should do if they hit big game:
- Pull over to the side of the road, or somewhere safely out of traffic. Turn on emergency flashers.
- Assess the safety of all humans involved.
- Assess the status of the animal that was hit.
- Report the incident by calling 911.
According to Wyoming Highway Patrol Sgt. Andy Jackson, the 911 dispatcher will determine the best agency for assistance based on the location of the accident. If the collision happens inside of a national park, the National Park Service will be notified; if it’s a county road, the Teton County Sheriff’s Office will likely be sent; for accidents on state highways, Wyoming Highway Patrol will be dispatched.
Every expert that spoke with Buckrail on this subject stressed the importance of human safety in these situations, particularly when monitoring the stricken animal.
Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) Public Information Specialist Mark Gocke suggested, “If it’s a large carnivore, then maybe assess it from inside the vehicle.” Gocke also noted that animals near the road are often accompanied by other members of their species, so drivers should look out for additional crossings.
Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) representatives also advised against going near a hurt animal.
“Determine where the animal that was hit is,” GTNP’s Visitor and Resource Protection Ranger told Buckrail. “If it ran off, pay attention to which direction it ran. Be especially cognizant of larger animals like bear, elk, bison or deer because if they are injured, they will be frightened and under a tremendous amount of stress – do not approach them!”
If the incident occurs in a national park and proves fatal for the animal, park staff will investigate and might impose a fine on the driver.
“If a driver is found to be negligent (e.g., speeding, illegal passing, reckless driving, DUI, etc.) and strikes and kills an animal, the National Park Service may seek restitution for the lost species,” GTNP said. “The restitution value is a combination of the value of the animal, time employees spent on the case, equipment used, etc. The investigation protocol would be different if the injured or deceased animal is listed as endangered or threatened, like the grizzly bear.”
One eventuality to be prepared for is a mercy killing of the hurt animal. If an animal isn’t killed immediately by a collision, it might be greatly suffering, and the law enforcement officer on the scene might put it out of its misery.
Wildlife-vehicle collisions can be traumatic for all involved, and drivers can best avoid them by driving slowly, especially around dawn, dusk and after dark.
“Above all, just taking your time from Point A to Point B,” Gocke said. “There are a lot of animals coming down to the valley floor for the winter. We’re going into our season where you’re apt to encounter an animal on the road.”
