Deer and wild boar: avoiding wildlife collisions and acting correctly

Many wild animals have a fixed daily rhythm. During the day, deer and wild boar often rest in the cover of the woods; at dusk and at night they move onto meadows and fields to feed. On the way they cross roads that run between woods and fields. The places where they do this regularly are called game crossings.

In some seasons animals are on the move especially often. In spring young animals look for new territories, in autumn dusk coincides with rush-hour traffic, and during the mating season some species are more restless and less cautious. Deer and wild boar also often travel in groups: others frequently follow the first animal.

In headlights, animals often behave differently from what you expect. Strong full beam can dazzle them so that they stand still or run in the wrong direction. Dipping the lights and sounding the horn gives them a better chance of leaving the road.

The most important protection is speed. Driving more slowly means a shorter stopping distance and more time to react, and an impact at lower speed is far less violent. So reduce speed at forest edges, fields and deer-crossing signs, especially at dusk, at night and in spring and autumn.

Watch the road edges, not just the road ahead. Animals' eyes reflect the headlights and briefly light up. If you have seen an animal cross the road, expect more and do not speed up again straight away.

If an animal is on the road: brake in a controlled way, hold the steering wheel firmly and stay in your lane, sound the horn and dip the headlights. Controlled braking in your lane keeps the car manageable and reduces the impact energy. Risky evasive manoeuvres, by contrast, lead into oncoming traffic or into trees and are often more dangerous than hitting the animal.

First you secure yourself and others. Hazard lights on, put on the hi-vis vest, get out on the side away from traffic, set up the warning triangle at a sufficient distance and stand behind the crash barrier or well away from the road. Passengers also get out and move to safety. If people are injured, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

Do not touch the animal, even if it is lying there injured. Wild animals panic, and even an apparently motionless deer or wild boar can suddenly kick, bite or strike. Do not load any animal into the car – not even a dead one. Taking it can count as poaching in many countries, because game often belongs to a holder of hunting rights.

Inform the police or the locally responsible office – in many countries this is mandatory. Give the exact location, even if the animal has fled. An animal that fled injured can then be searched for by experts, so that it does not have to suffer for long. Take photos of the damage and the scene and, where that is customary, ask for a certificate for the insurer.

Anyone on foot or by bike also meets wild animals – often closer than in a car. Give wild boar, especially sows with piglets, and deer in the rut a wide berth. Withdraw calmly, avoid hasty movements and always leave the animals an escape route.

Do not feed wild animals and do not get close to take a photo. Animals that get used to people lose their shyness and then also come closer to roads and settlements, which creates new dangers. With lights on your bike and bright clothing, drivers see you better at dusk.

The hi-vis vest and warning triangle should be within reach in the car, not under the luggage in the boot. In many countries carrying them is mandatory anyway. It is worth knowing the local reporting requirements for wildlife collisions before travelling in a new area.

Wildlife fences, crossing structures such as green bridges and warning systems reduce collisions at known spots. But they do not replace your own attention, because animals do not stick to fences and signs. Even with the greatest care not every collision is avoidable – acting correctly then protects people and shortens the animal's suffering.