Each year, Germany’s roads witness over 200,000 wildlife collisions, according to the German Hunting Association — most involving deer.
Animals often cross roads in search of food, a mate during the rutting season, or simply as part of their daily range. When wild animals continue to use an area as part of their habitat despite the constant hum of traffic, this behavior is known as “grazing” — a quiet reminder that nature doesn’t always stop at the roadside.
The risks of game crossings on roads are the highest in Spring and Autumn. Wild animals are also more active at dusk and night. Wildlife crossing usually occurs on roads close to fields or forests.
When driving on the road, be on the lookout for “Wildwechsel” or Wild animal crossing signs. There might also be guide posts on the edge of the road that are equipped with blue reflectors.
When you see a Wild animal crossing sign, keep the following in mind
Sign 620-40 in Germany is a right-side delineator post, a reflective marker used to guide drivers along the road, particularly on curves and at night.
Sign 620-41 in Germany is a delineator post (Leitpfosten) used to mark the left side of the road and guide drivers.
Two white dots represent the left side of the road.
In situations where a collision seems almost inevitable, it’s crucial to remain as calm as possible and avoid panicking. Though it may seem counterintuitive, braking can be one of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of a crash. However, you must brake smoothly and decisively — the last thing you want to do is pump the brakes or apply them too hard.
It is important to hold the steering wheel firmly to maintain control over your vehicle.
Swerving uncontrollably can be more harmful, leading to a collision with oncoming traffic.
When you do hit a large wild animal, and you are not hurt, the first thing you should do is secure the scene of the accident by switching your hazard warning lights on, putting on a high-visibility vest and setting up the warning triangle.
If any passengers are hurt, phone the national emergency number 112, and if necessary, administer first aid.
Phone the police by calling the 110 number, they will inform the area game tenant (Jagdpächter).
If the driver of a vehicle does not report a wildlife accident immediately, this may constitute an offence under § 4 (4) and § 67 (2) No. 1 of the [German national] Hunting and Wildlife Management Act (JWMG). German: Jagd- und Wildtiermanagementgesetzt.
Remember animals that are hurt and scared can act aggressively, try to keep a safe distance. The Jagdpächter will handle the injured animal. If the animal is dead, try to pull it to the edge of the road to avoid further accidents, but please do not touch the animal with your bare hands, wear gloves to protect yourself from parasites or diseases.
Important: The animal must not be removed from the scene of the accident, otherwise you risk being charged with poaching. This can result in a penalty.
You will need an accident report ( Wildunfallbescheinigung) for your insurance claims. The police or Jagdpächter must issue you with such a report.
A wildlife accident occurs when a vehicle is damaged as a result of a collision or evasive manoeuvre with an animal. The animals must be furred game.
The following wild animals belong to furred game: Wild boar, Deer, Fallow deer, Foxes and Lynxes.
If you have vehicle damage due to a collision with game birds, it does not count as a wildlife accident. Examples of game birds include a pheasant or a hawk.
Wait for the police report or assessment to be done before removing any fur residue or blood from the vehicle.
You must report the accident to your car insurance within 5 days. Also refer to your insurance documentation.
Below is an example of a Wildunfallbescheinigung
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