Photo by bgsmith / Getty Images
March is a time of rapid seasonal shifts across Canada and on our roadways, this can lead to serious hazards for drivers and wildlife.
Fortunately, understanding these changes can give us the heads up we need to make adjustments and keep everyone safe. Here are a few of the changes you may notice as March brings more spring weather:
- Snowbanks melt revealing grasses, litter and even roadkill, all of which are potential meal sources for wildlife – and attracting them to the roadside.
- Days are getting longer, and that means more movement from wildlife. The sudden shift of human behaviour due to daylight saving time is also a significant change.
- Many species like skunks, beavers, and foxes are seeking mates and new territories, while others like raccoons and squirrels will be stepping up their scavenging habits. Larger animals like black bears will also be exploring and looking to get an early spring snack.
- Sudden weather changes can contribute to unsafe driving conditions like black ice, squalls, or flooding.
Photo by Carol Hamilton / Getty Images
Making Adjustments
As a driver, you can make some minor adjustments that will make a big difference for wildlife safety this March. Here are our top tips:
1 Slow down and pay attention to signage. Obeying speed laws and noting wildlife crossing signs can make a huge difference. Keeping extra space between yourself and cars ahead also provides more time to react should you need to.
2 Scan shoulders and roadsides. Keep an eye out for movement on the edges of roads, particularly in areas with plenty of trees or wildlife habitat. If you see one animal, be prepared to see another.
3 Use your high beams when possible. If there’s no one ahead of you, using your high-beams can give you greater clarity in what’s ahead, and also make you more visible to wildlife.
4 Report wildlife collisions. Contact your local wildlife rehabilitator or municipal animal control department if you see injured or killed wildlife on the side of a road. This can help the animals get help they need or remove carcasses safely to prevent scavenging animals from hanging out on the roadside.
Big Picture Solutions
Studies show that mitigation efforts on roadways can also lead to a significant reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions. One study notes that a “combination of fencing and crossing structure led to an 83% reduction in road-kill of large mammals.“
Advocating for these mitigation measures, particularly during new developments or expansions, can make a significant difference in reducing harm to wildlife and keeping everyone safe.
Do you have tips you like to share with your community? Let us know at [email protected] or by commenting on our Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, YouTube or LinkedIn pages.
