What To Do If You Run Over A Possum While Driving

Hitting wildlife while driving is an unfortunate accident that many drivers will experience at some point. If you recently ran over a possum, you may be wondering what to do next. Here’s a quick answer: safely pull over, assess the situation, and call local wildlife authorities if the animal is injured.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide key information on responsibly handling accidents involving possums and other wildlife.

This article provides clear step-by-step guidance on dealing with a wildlife collision, treating injured animals, following local regulations, and preventing future accidents.

Stopping and Securing the Scene

Pull over safely to avoid further collision

If you hit a possum while driving, the first step is to safely pull your vehicle over to the side of the road. Put your hazard lights on to alert other drivers and try to get completely out of the flow of traffic if possible.

Choosing a safe location to stop will prevent the risk of further collisions or injuries.

Turn on hazard lights and set road flares if possible

After securing your vehicle in a safe spot, turn on your hazard flashers immediately. If available, set out reflective road flares or triangles behind your car at an appropriate distance to warn oncoming traffic of the stopped vehicle.

Proper hazard lights and signals will alert other drivers to steer clear of the scene.

Handling Injured Possums

Do not approach aggressive injured wildlife

Possums are generally docile creatures, but can become aggressive when injured or frightened. It’s best not to approach them if they are hissing, growling, or showing their teeth. An injured or cornered possum may bite or scratch in self-defense.

Their sharp teeth and claws can cause nasty wounds that may require medical attention. Instead, keep your distance and call animal control for assistance.

Call local wildlife rescue or animal control if possum is stunned or hurt

If you find a possum that appears to be stunned or injured after being hit by a vehicle, the most humane thing to do is call your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation center. Many communities have wildlife hotlines you can call for guidance.

The experts can assess the animal’s condition and provide the appropriate care. Sometimes the impact just dazes the possum temporarily. Other times there may be serious internal injuries. Never try to treat or transport the animal yourself unless you are properly trained.

Here are some tips for contacting wildlife rescue:

• Keep an eye on the animal from a safe distance while making the call.
• Note the location details so they can easily find the animal.
• Follow any advice provided on keeping the area secure until help arrives.

With quick action, trained rehabilitators may be able to treat injuries, save the possum’s life, and eventually release it back to the wild.

Use thick gloves and towels if needing to move possum off road

If the injured possum is in immediate danger from oncoming traffic, you may need to carefully move it out of the roadway. But first call wildlife experts to see if they recommend any special handling instructions. Approach cautiously while making noise to alert the animal you are near.

Wear thick protective gloves in case the frightened animal tries to bite or scratch. Gently pick up the possum with a towel and move it to a safer spot like the grassy shoulder.

Here are some precautions when handling injured wildlife:

• Avoid excess stimulation by keeping handling to a minimum.
• Do not offer food or water, as this may further injure the animal.
• Place the possum in a cardboard box with air holes for transport, if needed.
• Wash your hands well after contact to prevent disease transmission.

With some luck and the right medical care, the resilient possum may recover from its injuries and be released back into the local environment. So if you do accidentally hit one of these unique marsupials, remember to act in its best interest!

Local Regulations and Reporting

Notify highway patrol or police about any vehicles hitting wildlife

If you accidentally hit a possum or other wildlife while driving, it’s crucial to notify the highway patrol or local police. Many states have laws requiring drivers to report any collisions with animals on public roads or highways.

These incidents can present safety hazards if the animal carcass is left on the road.

When you call to file a report, provide specific details on the location, road name, closest mile marker, and which direction you were traveling. Describe the animal – what type, the size, any noticeable features. Sharing photos can assist the responding officer.

Being as accurate as possible allows highway crews to promptly remove the remains and prevent further accidents.

Report incident to local wildlife agency per state laws

In addition to alerting highway patrol or law enforcement, most states mandate drivers notify the state’s fish and wildlife agency if they strike certain protected animal species. For example, 29 states have laws requiring people to report any vehicle collisions involving deer.

And in some states, it’s illegal to keep or remove deer carcasses without notifying wildlife officials.

Possums are not subject to strict protected species rules. However, reporting possum and other roadkill incidents can help wildlife agencies track population numbers, identify roadway hotspots that may need warning signs or fencing, and determine if certain species need conservation efforts.

Provide details like location, animal description, injuries etc.

When you report hitting a possum or other animal to wildlife officials, provide as many specifics as you can recall, including:

• The exact location, road name, nearest mile marker, which direction you were driving, and time of day.
• What type of animal, its estimated size and weight, any distinguishing features like color markings.
• Whether the collision occurred at high speeds on a highway or slower side roads.
• How the animal reacted – whether it died instantly, limped away injured, or ran into nearby wooded areas.
• If there was obvious bleeding or other wounds. Severe injuries may indicate internal organ damage or suffering.

Detailed descriptions allow wildlife responders to assess next steps. If an injured possum or deer runs into the woods, agents can search the vicinity and euthanize it if needed. For deceased animals at the collision site, crews remove and properly dispose of the remains.

Most state wildlife agencies provide an online form to report roadkill accidents and get additional guidance. Depending on the severity, officials may request photos or ask you to stay at the scene until an officer responds.

Preventing Future Collisions

Watch for wildlife crossing signs in known animal habitats

Be extra vigilant when driving through designated wildlife habitats marked with crossing signs. Slow down when approaching these high risk areas to give yourself more reaction time if an animal darts onto the road.

According to the Humane Society (1), over one million wild animals are killed in vehicle collisions every day in the United States. Being aware of animal crossing zones can help reduce this alarming number.

Use high beam headlights to better spot animals at night

Switch on your brights when driving on dark rural roads to illuminate a larger sightline. This gives you a better chance of catching the eye shine of wildlife near the road so you can brake in time.

Per the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (2), over 200 human fatalities occur annually from vehicle collisions with animals. Improving visibility at night can help mitigate accidents.

Avoid swerving dangerously to miss animals

It can be startling when wildlife appears in your headlights. But remember that veering off the road or into oncoming traffic puts your safety at great risk. Grip the wheel firmly and brake in a straight line if an animal is right in your path.

Try to keep composure even though the situation is stressful. A controlled stop gives the animal a chance to scurry away while also protecting human life.

Conclusion

The experience of hitting a wild animal can be scary and stressful. By following the proper safety precautions, reporting procedures and prevention tips outlined above, drivers can better handle possum and wildlife collisions while minimizing further risk or injury.

Stay safe on the roads by driving soberly, scanning for animals, and reacting responsibly in any emergency situation involving animals crossing the path of your vehicle.