What to do if you hit a large animal while driving

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Wildlife-vehicle collisions are a significant problem in the South Okanagan and Southern Interior of British Columbia, with thousands of incidents annually, though the true number is higher due to underreporting. These accidents result in vehicle damage, human injury and death, and significant harm to wildlife populations. Efforts to mitigate collisions include public education, increased driver awareness, especially during dusk and dawn, and public reporting of wildlife carcasses and injuries.

If you hit a large animal (deer, moose, elk, coyote, bear) while driving, or see someone else do so, please immediately pull over to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and assess your safety and the vehicle's condition. Never approach an injured animal as this could endanger yourself, other drivers and make the injuries to the animal even worse.

Immediately contact the BC Conservation Officer Service (RAPP) at 1-877-952-7277 if the animal is injured but alive. If the animal is dead, please contact the RCMP or local police to have it safely removed.