Last year there were over 70,000 wildlife accidents across the country, which is a significant increase compared to 2022.
Search hunter Roger Johansson, who lives outside Umeå, testifies that accidents also happen in densely built-up areas where many do not expect to encounter wild animals.
– Snow depth is the single biggest factor behind the animals’ movement patterns. If there is a lot of snow, the animals look for places where it is easy to walk, he says.
During the dark autumn and winter months, the risk of wildlife accidents increases significantly. David Tjäder from Gräsmyr outside Umeå is one of all the road users who have collided with a moose.
– I was on my way into Umeå to pick up a snowmobile and all of a sudden I had a moose on the road. It took the extra light and windshield with it before it pushed the roof of the car, says David, who, however, managed to escape unharmed.
Deer most common in accidents
The wild animals most often involved in accidents include moose, wild boar and fallow deer. However, deer account for the absolute largest part with over 50,000 accidents. In the southern part of the country there is an abundance of deer, while in the north it is often due to buildings and roads forced by the depth of snow.
Important with high beam
Roger Johansson, who has been involved in wildlife accident investigations for 15 years, gives valuable advice to road users to reduce the risk of accidents. In addition to slowing down and keeping your distance, he also urges you to pay attention to the side. He also emphasizes that if there are street lamps, you should avoid dazzle by the high beams if there is no oncoming traffic on the road.
– Try to keep the headlights on, as far as possible. That way, we spare many animals and avoid unnecessary accidents, says Roger Johansson.