Collision with wildlife: deer or wild boar hit – what to do?
Your own safety first, then the police. The animal is a matter for the local hunter – even if it is still alive.
What to do now
- Hazard lights on, put on a high-visibility vest, set up the warning triangle.
- Look after injured people, call 112 if needed.
- Call the police on 110 and give your location. They will inform the responsible hunter.
- If the animal has fled: mark the spot and note the direction it ran – for the search.
- Get a wildlife accident certificate for your insurance; take photos of the scene and the damage.
Please do not
- Do not touch the animal. An injured deer kicks, a wild boar attacks.
- Do not take it with you – not even dead, and not even to help. That counts as poaching.
- Do not drive on without reporting it: an injured animal will otherwise suffer for hours or days.
Who helps
Police 110. They know the hunting tenants and send them to the scene.
Report an emergency Animal rescue near you
Frequent questions
I “only” hit a fox, hare or marten.
Stop and report it all the same. A call to the police is enough.
How do I avoid collisions with wildlife?
Drive more slowly through woods and fields, especially at dusk and after the clocks change. If an animal stands at the roadside: dip your lights, sound the horn, brake – do not swerve.
Related
This page gives general advice. It replaces neither a vet nor legal advice.
More guides
- Wild animal foundFound a wild animal – who helps?
- Finding an emergency vetEmergency vet – how to find one at night and at the weekend
- Hedgehog foundFound a hedgehog – what to do?
- Bird foundFound a young or injured bird – what to do?
- Dog foundFound a stray dog – what to do?
- Cat turned upA cat has turned up or been found – what to do?
- Pet run awayDog or cat has run away – what to do?
- Dog in a hot carDog in a hot car – what to do?
- Report animal crueltyReporting animal cruelty or neglect – how does it work?
- Poison bait foundFound poison bait – and what if the dog has already eaten some?
- Injured pigeonFound an injured pigeon – what to do?
- Fawn foundFound a fawn or young wild animal – what to do?
- Squirrel foundFound a squirrel – what to do?
- Bat foundFound a bat – what to do?
- Young hare foundFound a young hare or wild rabbit – what to do?
- Injured swan or duckFound an injured swan, duck or goose – what to do?
- Cat hit by a carCat hit by a car or found at the roadside – what to do?
- Abandoned animal foundFound an abandoned animal – what to do?
Spreading the word helps
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