DriveSmartBC

I'm not a hunter, but I have shot more deer than I ever wanted to during my career in traffic enforcement. These animals had been hit by a vehicle and were most often left at the roadside to die. When I was called it was usually by those that happened along afterward rather than the driver that hit them.

It's not a rare occurrence on our highways, with about 4,700 wild animals reported killed each year. About 80% of that total are deer. People suffer too, with 5 being killed and 395 injured in animal related collisions in 2002.

Before the repeal of the Highway Act, it was unlawful to leave a dead animal within 100 feet of the center of the highway. Today, only the Wildlife Act requires that a driver promptly notify the police or a conservation officer if a wild animal is killed or injured and give the location of the animal.

The Wildlife Act is currently under review and the public is invited to make submissions on any part of the legislation, including that involving motor vehicle and animal collisions. You may present your views by e-mail to WildlifeActReview@gov.bc.ca before the deadline of June 30th.

Oh, and while I am on the subject, please slow down and use caution when you drive in areas frequented by wildlife!

References:

Accidental Killing of Wildlife - Section 75 Wildlife Act
Wildlife Act Review Project
Wildlife Collision Prevention Program
Wildlife Collisions in BC - Ministry of Transportation
2005 BC Collision Statistics