In Florida, heavily-wooded areas and marshlands serve as a natural habitat for wildlife, like crocodiles, alligators, bears, panthers, deer, and other animals. That is why wildlife crash is quite common and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recorded 189 fatalities in car accidents in 2016. For instance, a driver recently hit a seven-foot-long crocodile and did not even notice it.
The accident happened on April 17 on the highway in South Florida via the large wetland Everglades, home to many crocodiles and mountain snakes.
Driver Ran Over 7-Foot Crocodile in Florida: Here's What To Do During A Wildlife Crash
Driver Drove Non-Stop After Hitting the Crocodile Until There Was A Malfunction
Joshua Schroeder was driving his car in South Florida and was unaware that he ran over a crocodile not until he discovered its body in his vehicle, East Africa News Post reported. He noticed that he could not see one of his car's wheels when he looked out the rear window of his truck.
When he checked it, he saw that a seven-foot (2.1-meter) crocodile was stuck in his wheel. The reptile was so embedded in the wheel that he had difficulty removing the body. The sight also scared some tourists who were passing by.
Schroeder recalled being frightened at first sight and thought he should be careful as it might still be alive. Unfortunately, the animal was already dead when he saw it underneath his vehicle.
He took precautions in removing the crocodile, given that it was also dark at that time. He was unsuccessful in getting it out, so he took his car to a dealer in Naples and was initially refused service because the animal was still there. But in the end, they accepted the car. However, they needed to tear the crocodile to completely remove it from the wheels.
What to Do During Wildlife Crash?
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said that South Florida is the only place on Earth where American crocodiles and American alligators can be found in the wild. That means that wildlife crashes involving alligators are also common, like crocodiles getting hit by a car.
Given that 1.3 million alligators live in the state and the current mating season, the chances of drivers encountering them on the road is highly likely. More so, driving in the alligator alley or areas where alligators are common pedestrians increases that chance. So, here are five tips on how to deal with wildlife crashes according to Drivers Ed:
- Never approach a wild animal, like alligators, whether they are on the side of the road or floating down a river. Please leave at least 30 feet distance from them when encountering one nearby or crossing the street.
- Stay away from alligator nests, which look like giant piles of dirt and vegetation. Nesting female alligators guard their nest in places where they cannot be easily seen, so be careful not to disturb them.
- Never feed seagulls and alligators. Florida law specifically prohibits feeding them because they tend to associate food with humans, hence the attacks unless the alligators are in protected captivity for educational scientific, commercial, or recreational purposes or when it is necessary and done by Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission personnel or person licensed to do so.
- Stop when an alligator is on the road, but avoid swerving. It is the safest option for both driver and the animal, not to mention it is illegal to kill, possess or capture alligators or crocodiles. One may not intentionally injure or attempt to kill them as it is punishable by law in Florida.
- Stay in your car when you encounter an alligator on the road. These reptiles have been known to attack cars that they feel are too close to them, and going out to meet this ferocious predator would mean fair game in their minds. Immediately call the nuisance alligator hotline at 866-392-4286 and wait for the professional to arrive at the scene.
RELATED ARTICLE: 10-Foot Alligator Seen Crawling Beneath a Man's Truck in Florida While Stuck in Red Light
Check out more news and information on Crocodiles in Science Times.
