Hitting wildlife while driving is an unfortunate occurrence that many motorists will experience at some point. If you recently had the misfortune of colliding with a squirrel, you likely want to know the proper next steps.
Here’s a quick answer: Legally, you are not required to report hitting squirrels or other small animals in most areas. However, there are things you should do, like checking your car for damage. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of what to do after hitting a squirrel, including information on laws, safety, car inspection, and humane reasons for action.
After hitting a squirrel with your vehicle, it is understandable to be shaken up and unsure what your responsibilities are. By following the guidance in this article, you can handle the situation appropriately and ensure your own safety as well as the wellbeing of the animal.
Stop and Assess the Situation
Check for Injuries
The first thing you should do after hitting a squirrel is stop your car and check for injuries. Carefully get out of your vehicle and inspect the squirrel. If it is still alive but appears injured, do not try to touch or move it—this could worsen any injuries.
Instead, call animal control or a wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance. They can properly assess and treat the squirrel.
Move Your Vehicle if Needed
If your car is blocking traffic after hitting the squirrel, carefully move it to a safe location like the shoulder of the road. Turn on your hazard lights and set up roadside reflectors or flares if you have them.
However, don’t try to move an injured or dead squirrel out of the road—wait for animal control to handle this. They have the proper equipment and training to deal with the situation.
Avoid Making the Situation Worse
Well-intentioned people sometimes accidentally make things worse for an injured squirrel. Don’t try to give it food or water, even if it seems hungry or thirsty. This could lead to choking or further internal injuries. Also refrain from touching the squirrel.
Wild animals can bite or scratch when frightened, even if they appear friendly.
The best thing you can do is call animal control and let the experts take over from there. They will humanely capture the squirrel and provide emergency medical care. With quick professional help, many injured squirrels fully recover and can be released back into the wild.
Know the Laws in Your Area
Reporting Laws Vary by Location
What to do after accidentally hitting a squirrel while driving largely depends on the laws and regulations in your area. In most states in the U.S., there are no legal requirements to report hitting common small animals like squirrels or birds.
However, some states and municipalities do have special reporting rules for certain animal collisions.
For example, West Virginia requires drivers to notify authorities if they kill or injure bears, deer, wild boars, elk, antelope, or wild turkeys on the road. Meanwhile, some cities in California require reporting collisions with domestic pets to animal control or law enforcement.
Be sure to check your local and state laws to understand any special regulations that may apply to hitting squirrels or other creatures in your area.
Exceptions for Larger Animals
Though most places do not require reporting hit squirrels, many states do obligate motorists to notify authorities if they strike larger animals on the road. These creatures can pose safety hazards if left unattended near roadways and can also indicate the presence of larger herds that may continue crossing.
For example, if you accidentally hit a deer while driving in Pennsylvania, the law requires immediately notifying a law enforcement agent like a state trooper, sheriff, or municipal police officer. Drivers must provide their name, address, vehicle plate number, location of the animal carcass, and details about the collision.
Failing to report may result in fines of $50 to $200 in some areas.
Some states have invested in creating 24/7 hotlines for reporting roadkill. For instance, the Idaho Transportation Department runs a Wildlife Collision Reporting Hotline with operators available at all hours to dispatch assistance for large animal-vehicle collisions.
So even though squirrels do not need reporting, striking bigger creatures like deer should always be communicated to relevant authorities.
| State | Animals Requiring Reporting | Penalties for Not Reporting |
| California | Deer, elk, pronghorn antelope | None specified |
| Maine | Deer, moose, wild turkey, bear | Fine up to $5,000 |
| Michigan | Deer, elk, moose, caribou | Civil infraction |
As the data shows, nearly all states strictly require reporting collisions involving large mammals like deer, moose, bears, elk, and others. Failing to notify authorities about these accidents can potentially lead to legal penalties depending on the jurisdiction.
For more information on reporting laws in your area, consult government transportation or wildlife department resources such as:
- U.S. Department of Transportation
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Your state motor vehicles department website
Inspect Your Vehicle for Damage
Look for Obvious Impacts
After hitting a squirrel while driving, the first thing you’ll want to do is stop the car and look for any visible damage or debris. Check the front bumper, grill, and hood for any fur, blood, or cracks that may have occurred from the impact.
Furry critters can sometimes get lodged into small spaces, so also examine the front wheels and underside of the vehicle as best you can. Use a flashlight if visibility is low. Finding obvious impact points right away can help determine if more serious issues have occurred.
Check Under the Hood
Pop the hood and inspect the engine compartment and surrounding parts for less noticeable issues that may have happened when you hit the squirrel. Look for any detached hoses, damaged belts, fluid leaks, or rattling components that seem connected to the collision.
The radiator and attached cooling system should also be checked for leaks or visible harm. If leaks or damage are spotted, refrain from continuing to drive the car and have it towed to a repair shop to prevent further problems.
However, if everything appears intact under the initial check, signs of problems may still occur later while operating the vehicle.
Monitor for Issues After the Fact
Even if no instant damage is spotted from hitting a squirrel at the time of impact, problems affecting drivability can appear later on. Issues to keep an eye out for in the hours and days after include:
- Unusual sounds when the car is running.
- Dashboard indicator lights turning on.
- AC or heater blowing warm or cold inconsistent air.
- Visible leaking fluid under the car when parked.
- Poor engine performance like misfires or shutdowns.
- Pulling in the steering wheel to one side.
- Vibrations or shaking when driving.
Monitoring these potential problems and having them addressed promptly can prevent small repairs from turning into bigger headaches down the road. Driving carefully over the next couple days is also wise after colliding with an animal.
Hopefully the initial and secondary inspections reveal no major damage occurred from the incident. But squirrels have sharp claws and teeth that can puncture sensitive components under the hood. So continuing to keep an eye and ear out for emerging issues linked to hitting one is important, even if everything checks out at first.
Having a trusted mechanic look things over is smart for peace of mind too.
Dispose of the Animal Respectfully
Move the Animal out of the Road
If you unfortunately hit a squirrel while driving, the first thing to do is move the animal out of the road if it is safe to do so. This prevents the squirrel from getting hit again and allows other drivers to continue safely.
Carefully pull over, put on your hazard lights, and gently move the squirrel to the side of the road using a towel, blanket, or thick gloves.
Notify Wildlife Authorities if Needed
If the squirrel is still alive but clearly injured, call your local animal control department or wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance. Many areas have wildlife hotlines to handle these types of situations.
Provide the precise location and condition of the squirrel so they can send someone to assess and capture the animal if needed. Sadly, some injuries are too severe and euthanization may be recommended to prevent further suffering.
Have Compassion
Hitting an animal can be an upsetting experience. Remember that accidents happen and don’t be too hard on yourself. Take a moment to acknowledge the unfortunate situation with empathy. While disposing of the squirrel, handle it with respect and dignity.
Saying a prayer or kind words may bring some comfort. Driving cautiously through areas with wildlife can help avoid these traumatic events in the future.
Take Care of Yourself Afterwards
Acknowledge Any Trauma
Hitting any living creature with a vehicle can be an upsetting experience. As soon as possible after the incident, find a safe place to park and take some deep breaths. Recognize that shock or sadness in response to this situation is normal.
Give yourself space and time to process what happened before continuing your drive.
If feelings of trauma linger more than a few days, don’t hesitate to speak to a counselor. According to recent research from the American Psychological Association, around 28% of drivers involved in an accident with an animal subsequently experience PTSD symptoms.
Working through the emotions with a professional can help you find closure.
Know You Did Your Best
When a squirrel darts suddenly in front of a moving vehicle, it is virtually impossible for the driver to brake in time. Wildlife experts confirm that squirrels and other small animals can be unpredictable when crossing roads.
As difficult as it is, try not to beat yourself up over an accidental collision.
This Humane Society article offers constructive tips for coping after you have unintentionally hit an animal while driving:
- Understand that what’s done is done and you likely did all you could in the moment
- Resist dwelling on hypotheticals or self-blame
- Memorialize the squirrel if it helps bring you peace
Rather than agonize over the unchangeable past, reflect on any insights that may prevent future accidents. Could you scan farther ahead along the road’s shoulders? Might a quicker brake reaction time have helped? Strive for awareness, not perfection.
Conclusion
Colliding with a squirrel can be a traumatic and confusing event for a driver. By approaching the situation calmly, assessing your safety, acting lawfully, inspecting your vehicle, and showing compassion, you can handle the incident properly. Remember to go easy on yourself as well.
While hitting wildlife is unfortunate, it is often unavoidable. With the guidance in this article, you can deal with hitting a squirrel effectively and attempt to prevent similar accidents in the future.
