10 Animals Involved in Most Car-Animal Collisions in Massachusetts

As I get older, driving at night is no longer one of my favorite activities. Driving on tree-lined back roads at night is even less fun for me. It’s not just the approaching headlights that can make driving at night difficult, but also the constant risk of a collision with an animal.

Boston-based public broadcaster GBH reports: “Last year there were at least 3,886 attacks on deer, according to MassDOT (Massachusetts Department of Transportation).”

The report states, “This is more than any year since 2002, as scientists say Massachusetts has an increasing number of deer.” GBH says, “146 of last year’s deer collisions resulted in injuries.”

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife says moose also pose a road hazard in Massachusetts.

“Moose on the road are particularly dangerous” because their dark color makes them “difficult to see in low light conditions,” according to MassWildlife.

MassWildlife says, “Do not go out to avoid a deer as this may result in more risk and damage than hitting the deer.”

According to State Farm Insurance, drivers in Massachusetts have a 1 in 85 chance of filing an insurance claim for hitting an animal on the road. In Rhode Island the chance is 1 in 75.

According to State Farm, deer are most likely to be involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. The second most common are “unidentified animals,” followed by rodents, dogs, raccoons, coyotes, turkeys, cattle, birds and squirrels.

Visit State Farm’s website for “Tips to Avoid Animals on the Road” and information about whether your comprehensive auto insurance policy covers damage from deer or other animal accidents.

WARNING: These are the deadliest animals in the world