Fact sheet
Animal on a highway
An animal on a highway can create a danger for itself, motorists and responders. Learn how to report the situation safely, provide the right information and reach the appropriate resource.
An animal seen on a highway or along the roadside may be injured, disoriented or simply trying to cross. In every case, its presence creates a real risk to its safety, to motorists and to the responders called to the scene. The priority is to report the situation without putting yourself at risk. Note the details you can see from a safe location, then contact the resource responsible for the road network. Authorities can assess what measures are needed based on the location, traffic and the animal’s behaviour. Never stop on travel lanes or ramps to approach it.
What to do
- Provide the highway or road number and the direction of travel.
- Give the exit, kilometre marker or another identifiable landmark.
- Specify whether the animal is in a travel lane, on the shoulder, in the median or along the roadside.
- Describe the type of animal, its approximate size, the number of animals and its apparent condition, without approaching to check.
- Mention the time of the sighting, its direction of travel if it is moving, and any risks you observed for traffic.
- Call 911 when there is immediate danger to people or when vehicles are braking or swerving.
What to avoid
- Chasing the animal or trying to capture it in traffic.
- Entering traffic lanes, setting up an improvised roadblock or stopping to observe or photograph the animal.
- Going back onto the roadway to complete the report or get a photo.
- Moving an animal that appears dead: do not assume that stillness confirms death.
Who to contact
For an animal on a highway or near traffic lanes, call Québec 511.
Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility
Québec 511: report a dangerous or at-risk situation
511, option 2
1-888-355-0511, option 2
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
We cannot intervene alone
Sauvetage Animal Rescue cannot intervene along a highway without the collaboration or, at a minimum, the authorization of the Ministry of Transport or the Sûreté du Québec. The proximity of traffic requires coordination with authorities before any intervention.
A request sent to Sauvetage Animal Rescue therefore does not mean that a team can immediately attempt a capture. Authorization or collaboration from authorities does not, by itself, confirm that our team will deploy.
Large wildlife, an immobile animal and municipal streets
The Government of Québec also recommends calling 511 to report a dangerous or unusual situation involving a deer, moose or other large mammal. While driving, watch the roadside, respect the speed limit and, if a collision is imminent, slow down and brake gradually without sudden manoeuvres.
If the animal appears dead, report its location and apparent condition without putting yourself at risk to check whether it is breathing. This fact sheet primarily concerns highways and roads under the Ministry’s responsibility. On a municipal street, the appropriate resource may be different; check with the municipality or the local animal services provider.
