Nearly 12,000 wild animals killed on Upper Austria roads

Nearly 12,000 deer, hares and pheasants are killed in road accidents in Upper Austria each year, ORF reports, citing the Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit (KFV), a road safety organisation. Its statistics show that one wild animal dies every 45 minutes. The actual toll is likely higher because not every collision is reported. Excessive speed, inattention and distraction are among the causes.

The district of Braunau am Inn recorded the most animal deaths in 2025-26, with 1,485. Grieskirchen had 1,156 and Schärding 1,007. The same districts also recorded the most people injured in collisions with wild animals: seven in Braunau am Inn, eight in Grieskirchen and five in Schärding.

The KFV advises drivers not to swerve to avoid an animal, warning that this can lead to a collision with oncoming traffic or a tree. Drivers should brake immediately, dim their headlights and, if necessary, honk several times to frighten the animal away.

Deer often travel in groups, so drivers should expect more animals after seeing one. Wildlife may also stop when crossing a road or when caught in headlights. The KFV urges particular caution on stretches marked with warning signs for crossing wildlife, which are placed where animals cross more often or crashes have already occurred.

After a collision, drivers should park away from the road if possible and switch on their hazard lights. The KFV also recommends wearing a high-visibility vest and placing a warning triangle. Injured animals should not be touched. If anyone is hurt, drivers should call emergency services and provide first aid. Police must be notified in every case, even if the animal runs away. Leaving the scene can have legal and insurance consequences.