Deer Vs. Car Crashes on the Rise as Wildlife Hits the Road

If you've ever lived in the eastern or central United States, chances are you've seen a deer test fate by dashing across a busy road, or worse, test your fate as well by triggering a car crash. A new study finds that car-deer crashes are rising sharply after a few years of decline, just in time for the peak season when Bambi's most likely to hit the interstate. The reason? More cars on the road, and more deer than ever.

Research has found that about 200 people a year in the United States die in crashes caused by darting deer. State Farm Insurance used its claims data to research the problem and estimated that deer hit 1.23 million vehicles between July 2011 and June 2012. Over the past four years, State Farm says, claims from deer hits rose nearly 8 percent, while claims from all other types of collisions fell 8.5 percent.

Most deer-vehicle violations fall into a belt of states in the northern and eastern United States, although as this map from State Farm shows, several southern states also run high risks. The worst state: West Virginia, where a motorist has a 1 in 40 chance of hitting a deer in the next 12 months. South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan and Pennsylvania round out the top five states with the most risk of buck-to-bumper contact. (The lowest: Hawaii, where State Farm says your chances of hitting a deer with a car are smaller than that of being struck by lightning.)

Part of the reason there's more deer accidents comes from the rising number of all kinds of accidents; as the economy starts to grow again, more people get back to commuting or driving longer distances. But the bigger factor comes from America's overpopulated deer herds, estimated at 20 million animals, which have grown even in states where thousands of hunters believe the second week of deer camp is the greatest time of year. Some critics say current hunting rules makes the problem worse by limiting does; others note that suburban sprawl means more deer have places to graze without natural predators where hunting isn't allowed. Many cities have turned to controlled hunts to lower their deer count, but that may only reduce numbers temporarily.

State Farm says November is the peak month for deer strikes, and unfortunately for drivers, there's no guaranteed way to avoid a deer crash. Driving with high beam headlights on as much as possible and watching for deer crossing signs can help; the whistles that mount on your bumper and supposedly scare off deer won't. The only trick that will ensure your safety: Move to Hawaii.

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Tesla's Future 'Dog Mode' Would Prevent Humans From Panicking

Tesla already has a feature to prevent its electric car interiors from overheating. Not everyone knows that, though, and that's a problem when people may call the cops or break into your ride to rescue a pet that's actually quite safe. You might not have to post a please-don't-worry sign on your window for much longer, however. Elon Musk has signaled that he'll implement a "dog mode" in future Tesla software that would tell passers-by not to panic. While he only just agreed to the idea (it's likely a long way off), it could include both a message and the current cabin temperature to assuage jittery humans.

To read more on this story, click here: Tesla's Future 'Dog Mode' Would Prevent Humans From Panicking

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Dangerous Hiding Places for Cats

If you are a cat owner, you have probably experienced times when you thought, "now where is that cat?"

There are a lot of normal, healthy reasons that cats may find a hiding spot. Some of these reasons include curiosity, comfort, or even boredom. Cats may also hide due to stress, age-related changes or illness.

Cats may hide in some specific spots because of the temperature. They may seek out spots near air vents to benefit from a warm or cool breeze. They may curl up in the sink or bathtub to cool off, or worm their way under a pillow or blanket to warm up. 

A parked car is just one of many hazardous hiding places for cats. If your car's parked outdoors in cold weather, please bang on your hood and honk your horn to rouse a possibly sleeping feline and give him/her a chance to crawl out before you start your engine.

Below is a list of some of the top hiding places to be aware of, especially if you have a kitten, whose extra-small size and extra-curious nature could land him in a very tight spot:

• Dishwasher - Always look for Kitty before starting the machine.

• Washer-dryer - Don't leave the door open when not in use; always check inside before starting a cycle.

• Wood stove - Light the kindling and shut the door only AFTER doing a thorough check.

• Reclining sofa or chair - Believe it or not, this is a prime small-animal hiding spot, so check under the seat and evict the previous occupant before you recline, to prevent injury.

• Cardboard delivery boxes - Cats are notorious box nesters, so take care not to throw Kitty out with the recycling.

• Workers' tool boxes (electrician, handy man, etc) - Cats see these as fun new hiding places worth investigating.

• Luggage or gym bags - Close these when not in use, to prevent pet hair buildup as well as an accidental departure.

• Dresser drawers - These should remain shut so they don't turn into kitty traps.

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Vets Warn Dog Owners About High Car Boots

If you fancy taking your dog out for a lengthy walk in the countryside, rather than your local park or surrounding area, then having a car with a big boot can be hugely beneficial.

This includes 4x4s, which offer lots of room for your pooch, while also being able to cross tricky rural terrain.

But veterinary experts are warning dog owners who use such vehicles to not let their pet jump down from the boot as it may cause injury, a new study reveals.

The scientists behind the experiment, from Hartpury University Centre in Gloucester, concluded that a ramp should be set up from the boot to the ground instead. Dogs should walk down the ramp so as not to damage their legs from the impact of a jump.

To read more on this story, click here: Vets Warn Dog Owners About High Car Boots



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Two Men Pulled an 8-Foot-Long Boa Constrictor from Beneath a Car

"They told me I better not get in my car," said car owner Katie Hauer

Two men pulled an 8-foot-long boa constrictor from beneath a car parked outside of a northeastern Pennsylvania medical building.

The Citizens' Voice in Wilkes-Barre reports the men pried the snake from a Mercury Mountaineer's undercarriage Thursday afternoon after one saw it wriggle underneath.

One of the men, herpetologist Cameron English, identified the snake as a red-tailed boa constrictor.

"They told me I better not get in my car," said owner Katie Hauer, who had been inside the Geisinger Kingston medical center in Kingston borough.

Hauer said she was told she may have transported the snake from where she lives to the medical building.

"I'm going to be checking under my car and around my car every single day now," Hauer said.

Rescuers said the snake appeared to be a well-fed pet. It was placed in a plastic container.

No one was injured and it wasn't immediately known who owns the snake.








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Join Us for an Adoption Event at Sheehy Ford, Marlow Heights, MD, Sunday, April 12, Meet Some of the Prince George's County Animal Shelter's Furry Friends Who Are Looking for New Homes and Families

Join us for an adoption event at Sheehy Ford in Marlow Heights, Maryland and meet so of the Prince George's County Animal Shelter's furry friends who are looking for new homes and families!

Please check out all the Shelter's dogs and cats for adoption at: Available Animals 

Note: Dogs participating in adoption event may be different from those shown in photo.

WHAT:  Prince George's County Animal Management Adoption Event

WHERE: Sheehy Ford

WHEN: Sunday, April 12, 2015

TIME: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

LOCATION:
Sheehy Ford
5000 Auth Road
Marlow Heights, Maryland

Website: Prince George's County Animal Management Division

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Dog Helps Police Catch Car Thief

Stockton – A dog named “Monster” helped officers catch a car thief, Stockton Police say.

The incident happened around 11:30 a.m. along the 2400 block of Tilden Park. Police say that someone called police to report that a man had just stolen a brand-new Mercedes Benz right off of a cargo truck.

Officer soon arrived at the scene and spotted the car. Police say that the suspected thief – identified as 19-year-old Peter Arquiaga – then ditched the car and ran.

Arquiaga is said to have jumped a few fences to try and get away from police. But, Arquiaga eventually landed into the backyard with Monster. The dog apparently didn’t like Arquiaga’s intrusion and immediately started biting him, police say.

Monster’s owner soon came out and got the dog off of Arquiaga so that officers could take him into custody.

Arquiaga is first being taken to a hospital before he’ll be booked. He is facing stolen auto, possession of stolen property, resisting arrest and numerous other traffic charges, police say.

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Animal Legal Defense Fund Introduced a Windshield Sunshade People Can Use to Spread the Message Wherever They Park - Do Not Leave Dogs in Hot Cars

Just a few minutes in a hot vehicle can harm or kill your pet. On hot days, the temperature inside a vehicle heats up to over 160 degrees in minutes. Parked cars quickly trap the sun's heat, and "cracking the windows" doesn't do much. Pets can't cool themselves the way humans can, and this makes them especially vulnerable to heatstroke. Too often, a neglectful dog owner goes into a store "just for a minute" only to find his dog dead in the car upon his return -- and such neglect carries serious legal consequences.

In June, an eight-year-old German shepherd named Elisha died in Belmont, California after being left in a truck in a motel parking lot for seven hours. Dogs who are trapped in cars pant heavily, pawing at the glass of rolled up windows, trying desperately to avoid the heat of the sun. They may experience excessive thirst, vomiting, seizures, increased heartbeat, and elevated body temperatures of 104 degrees and higher. According to media reports, officers on the scene tried to revive the shepherd with ice and water, to no avail. Elisha's owner -- who was sleeping in the motel while the dog was in the truck with no water -- is being charged with felony animal cruelty.

When an animal dies an excruciating death from negligence, writing off the tragedy as a simple accident is insufficient -- and criminal prosecution is just. Fifteen states have specific laws against leaving animals confined in vehicles: Arizona, California, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont and West Virginia. Rhode Island's brand new law was signed by Governor Lincoln Chafee this summer and is one of the most comprehensive of these laws, with the strongest penalties -- up to a year in jail and up to $1000 in fines. Vermont also allows sentences of up to a year in jail, while Vermont and West Virginia allow up to $2000 in fines.

That is why this summer the Animal Legal Defense Fund introduced a windshield sunshade people can use to spread the message wherever they park. The design reminds passersby that cars can be lethal to dogs, even on mild days. The sunshades are available for purchase.

If you see a dog in a parked car on a hot day, try to locate the owner and let her know that the situation is urgent; otherwise, call 911. Even in states without specific legislation on this issue, law enforcement officers should do whatever they can to free an animal suffering in those conditions. Your action on behalf of an animal can be the difference between life and death.

Take Action
By popular demand, ALDF has created this Dogs in Hot Cars Sunshade so that you can make a strong statement about protecting animals from the dangers of hot cars where they need it most—in parking lots across America.

Order your Dogs in Hot Cars Sunshade to protect animals wherever you park. All proceeds benefit the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Help us spread the word by using the social media links below.

Download & Print

Download and print our flyer, and hang in grocery stores, cafes, laundromats, and other locations where people may leave dogs in hot cars. Many businesses will be happy to hang a flyer in their front window if you ask politely.

Learn More
Discover which state laws and city/county ordinances in your jurisdiction address leaving animals unattended in vehicles. This issue may be addressed specifically or by way of general abuse/neglect statutes (for example, from Oregon: ORS 167.325).

Help your county and your local humane agencies to make the public aware of these laws by distributing flyers, asking your local newspapers to do a story on the problem, and encouraging your Department of Motor Vehicles to educate drivers on the issue of children and animals left unattended in vehicles.

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Crash Test Involving Some Common Dog Car Restraints - The Results Are Alarming - Take a Look at This Crash Test Video

Dog owners are being given a timely reminder about the safety of their pets in the car.

For the first time the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) has carried out a crash test involving some common restraints - and the results are alarming.

Crash test dogs have been used to highlight the disturbing statistic that 40 per cent of those people surveyed admit to carrying their dog in their car unrestrained.

Almost three-quarters of those surveyed admitted having pets unrestrained in the back seat, front seat and their laps.

A simple, low speed traffic light accident can send a dog flying, as demonstrated in this simulated crash test.

Not only can the dog be seriously injured or killed but it becomes a deadly missile for those people still in the car.

Another shocking statistic is that 92 per cent of harnesses available on the market failed the crash test.

Only Purina's Roadie for dogs under 35kg and the Sleepy Pod Clickit for large dogs, tested up to speeds of 35 km/h, passed the test.

Failing to restrain an animal can lead to a $405 fine and the loss of three demerit points.



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Squirrel Eating Car - Terrorizing a South Florida Family

A Florida family living in fear that they were being targeted by vandals discovered that the culprit has quite an appetite for destruction. The culprit? A squirrel.

A crazy car-eating squirrel with an appetite for destruction has been terrorizing a south Florida family.

The hungry critter, dubbed Munchy, has been biting fist-sized chunks of metal out of Nora Ziegler's SUV.

It's already ripped two 6-inch panels out of her Toyota Sequoia and seems intent on eating more.

But, bizarrely, he's left the four other cars that line the Martin County family's driveway untouched.

Ziegler told WPTV that she initially thought her vehicle was being targeted by vandals.
Cops were stumped and told her to remain vigilant, speculating that "someone was coming after her."

But she soon busted the culprit red-handed as she put out the trash one night.
Ziegler said she couldn't believe her eyes as she watched the squirrel, which was hanging by its teeth and gnawing away at the metal.

Relieved that she wasn't being targeted by hoodlums, she's now deciding what to do about the rampaging rodent.

"I'm not happy to see my car like this, but at least I didn't have any enemies, at least not people," Ziegler told WPTV.

Wildlife expert Hugh Curran, of Absolute Critter Removal, was however less shocked about the squirrel's choice of food.

"If they're looking to make a nest, chewing for them to find a cavity, to make a nest, that's not unusual at all," said Curran.

Video:

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Subaru and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Partnership - “Subaru Love A Pet ”

Did you ever wonder why so many of the Subaru vehicles that visit your service bays are full of pet hair? Quite simply, Subaru owners love pets like they love their Subarus. Nearly seven out of ten Subaru owners have a pet, and Subaru customers are 1.3 times more likely to own a pet than are the customers of Subaru’s competitors.

As part of its efforts to support the interests of Subaru owners, Subaru is proud to partner with the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®).

As a Subaru owner and a animal lover, I want to share some of what I think are the cutest commercials!

Remember: They are professional stunt dogs!  Please do NOT try any of their stunts at home!


















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Adorable Looking Bunnies Are Attacking Cars at Denver's International Airport

Denver, Colorado  - Bunnies are usually pretty docile creatures, so when you see a news story that begins with “Bunnies Are Attacking”, it either brings to mind cheesy horror movies or a terrifying image of cute animals rising up to take over.

But the bunnies at Denver International Airport are just trying to stay warm, apparently, and keep their teeth sharp while they’re at it. Officials say they’re dealing with a massive rabbit problem in the parking lot there now that the animals have discovered warm spots beneath the vehicles. Extended stays in their little hideouts lead to them chewing on the wiring beneath the cars, causing anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars worth of damage.

“I see at least dozens every morning. They go hide under the cars and the cars are warm,” said airport shuttle driver Michelle Anderson.

Airport authorities have taken to some unconventional means to get rid of the bunnies, including sending motorists to local mechanics to have the wiring coated in coyote urine. They say the smell of a predator will keep the little furry guys away. For those keeping their cars in the lot, it’s on their own heads if a rabbit destroys the wiring in their car; most insurance companies won’t cover it, and officials at the airport say that parking permits clearly state they aren’t responsible for damage done to the cars while they’re parked there.




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