As infrastructure expands to accommodate a booming supply chain, trucking and wildlife cross paths more frequently. While the occasional animal sighting can shake up the view, animal encounters can also be a significant hazard for themselves and the drivers.
To help you know how to avoid a potentially hairy run-in, get to know the behaviors of some common roadside critters.
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Deer
Deer are among the most dangerous animals to encounter on the road. Not only are they unpredictable, but their size means they could damage a rig in a collision. Here are a few things to know about deer:
- Deer are most likely to be encountered during dawn and dusk. Be on the lookout during these periods.
- Deer mating season occurs in the fall, causing deer populations to be more active before winter.
- Deer almost always travel in groups. If you see one deer on the road, you can anticipate that others may be nearby.
What to do if a group of deer is blocking your path: Though you may be tempted to blare your horn, doing so immediately will startle the deer and may lead to erratic behavior. If you confront a group of deer, your best bet is patience. If you find that your group of deer is particularly stubborn, contact local authorities for assistance concerning trucking and wildlife.
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Rodents
Raccoons, rabbits, and rodents are often part of the daily trucking experience. Although they are small, these animals can still pose a threat to a trucker’s safety. Here are a few facts about rodents:
- Like deer, most rodents will travel in families. If you see one, be on the lookout for others.
- Some rodents are nocturnal; others are diurnal. Day or night, you must watch out for something scurrying across the road.
- Rodents are agile and capable of changing directions suddenly. Just because a rodent isn’t immediately in your line of travel doesn’t mean it won’t be.
What to do if a rodent is occupying the road: If a rodent catches you by surprise, do not swerve. If you have time to anticipate the animal, come to a gradual stop and wait for the rodent to pass.
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Bears
Needless to say, a bear encounter can be very frightening. Bears can weigh anywhere from 400 – 1200 lbs., making them apex predators and a primary threat to trucks.
Bear encounters are uncommon, but here are a few things to know:
- Bears often follow rivers as a means of navigation. If you’re hauling near a river in a forest, you’ll want to be on high alert.
- Bears are also attracted to anything with a strong scent. If you’re driving through a wooded area and spot a cluster of dumpsters, this is another time when you’ll want to be particularly vigilant.
- Bears are most active during spring and fall as they exit and prepare for hibernation. Bear encounters rise during these seasons.
What to do if a bear is crossing the road: Give the bear its space. A provoked bear can become aggressive, so lay off the horn. In a bear encounter, you are safest inside your rig. Wait patiently for the bear to cross, and never leave your vehicle. If a bear is stalled in the middle of the road, contact authorities for assistance.
Animal encounters can range from amusing to dangerous. You can keep yourself and your rig safe from a potential collision as you exercise these best practices for trucking and wildlife. After all, the open road is best enjoyed when it’s shared by all, including wildlife.
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