How can I help prevent “roadkill”?

Defensive driving techniques, such as driving slowly at night, honking your horn at animals who look as if they are about to enter the roadway, or flashing your high beams at animals to break the sometimes hypnotic effect of the glare of the headlights can help. Many people swear by “deer alarms,” small whistles inaudible to human ears that you attach to the front bumper of your car.

Carry an animal rescue kit in your car for stray or injured animals. It should include dog biscuits and cat food (to lure reluctant animals); a long rope or leash that can be looped into a collar to capture dogs and cats; a bandage for a muzzle (an injured dog may snap or bite); a collapsible cardboard cat carrier (for cats, squirrels, turtles, and other small animals); a blanket or towel; a brown paper bag and clothespin to keep it shut (for carrying injured birds), and a list of emergency phone numbers of veterinarians, humane societies, animal shelters, and wildlife rehabilitators.

If you come upon an animal who has been killed by a car, you can either move him or her out of the roadway yourself, or report the incident to the local animal control department who will usually come and pick up the animal.