Saturday, November 11, 2006

Reflections on Road Kill

After traveling around 6000 miles (I will let you know my exact total in another blog) I have seen more than my fair share of road kill. At the beginning of my trip I did as many, I assume do, grimace and try to put the unpleasant vision out of my mind. But as the miles rolled by, I couldn’t help but do a little reflecting on the roadside carnage. I blame the raccoons. There were just so many of them after awhile I couldn’t help myself. They were arranged in several positions and almost entirely on the right side of the road where I had a good view of them. The modest ones were curled up as if sleeping (my favorite if I had to have one) to the gory pinks smear with only a tail to identify the species. There was the front leg splay, the full splay, the back sleeper, and the smudge. Occasionally I came across the black and white road kill that left a lingering scent for the next few miles so you couldn’t forget quite so quickly. On my return trip the rabbits, antelope and deer decided to join in. Fortunately I didn’t hit anything live except the bugs that smeared my windshield. But my heart has stopped a half a dozen times with the sight of a deer inches from the road. I didn’t take the time to stop and photograph any scenic road kill for you… so no pictures on this one.

5 comments:

Sodak Girl said...

You warned me that you were going to write about road kill. Intriguing...! For once I'm thankful that you didn't share any of your great photography! Funny girl!
~LB

Anonymous said...

thank you for not taking pics! (this is probably the only time i will ever say this.) glad you made it home safe and sound. lc

rubyslipperlady said...

I have a couple of roadkill shots I could loan you. hmmmj, where are those?

Marie VW said...

I don't know what would be worse. The actual pictures of the roadkill or the images my hyperactive imagination is creating without the guidance of a visual report.

Anita said...

I'm interested to know other species you saw laid to rest. Any porcupines, birds, skunks??

Anita