As autumn deepens and daylight hours shorten, the German Hunting Association (DJV) is urging drivers to report all wildlife collisions to the police, regardless of whether vehicle damage has occurred. This call to action aims to ensure injured animals receive timely assistance, potentially ending their suffering.
According to DJV President Helmut Dammann-Tamke, frequently injured animals will retreat into nearby undergrowth. Trained hunting dogs, deployed by experienced hunters, can then locate these animals and provide necessary care. The association estimates that, on average, a wildlife collision involving deer, wild boar, or roe deer occurs in Germany every two and a half minutes.
Beyond reporting incidents, Mr. Dammann-Tamke emphasizes the importance of reducing speed on rural roads. He notes that wildlife will not adapt to traffic regulations and decreasing speed from 80 km/h to 100 km/h shortens braking distance by approximately 25 meters, a potentially life-saving reduction.
Drivers are specifically advised to exercise heightened vigilance on roadways traversing forests and rural areas, which often serve as critical habitats and movement corridors for wildlife. These areas see increased animal activity as they navigate their natural territories.
