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Road killed

Driving a car shields vehicle occupants from the visceral experience of death and destruction they wreak.

Maybe that sounds hyperbolic, but let me tell you: I'll bet you didn't even see the animal you ran over. 

It's different when you are on foot, or in my case, on a bike, the results are all too - graphically - apparent.

There's the dead body, protective shell crushed, guts exposed, the smear of blood like a crime scene, telling a story of a violent end of life. 

On my short journey between McMaster and the Urquhart Butterfly Garden I encountered 2 dead turtles crushed on Olympic Drive, and one snake, splattered at McMaster parking access.

If you missed it, I've got the photographic evidence here for you. 

It's no secret that Cootes and Olympic Drive, and McMaster parking, are all built in and through a biodiverse area, much of which is protected as a nature sanctuary.

The presence of vehicles slicing through the middle of the natural area brings results like this daily. 

Cars and trucks are incompatible with a nature sanctuary. These at-risk reptiles need to be protected (that's what we want from a sanctuary, after all) not left to share the road with traffic. We know how that plays out: extirpation, extinction.







How about a choice: Will you alter your route, if not your means of transportation, to avoid contributing to this ongoing daily death toll? 
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Comments

Herry said…
This really highlights the harsh impact vehicles can have on wildlife, and it’s a stark reminder of how disconnected we can be from the consequences of driving. Seeing the damage up close, as you did, makes it hard to ignore. While it’s crucial to stay aware on the road, it’s also important to make sure our cars and keys are functioning properly for safety. For anyone needing assistance, here’s a reliable service for car key battery.
September 28, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Mint Auto Trader said…
This really emphasizes how different the road experience can be depending on your vehicle. Safety is critical, whether you’re biking or driving. For those looking for dependable cars to help stay safe on the road, services like Car Dealerships Near Me can make finding the right vehicle much easier. Thanks for sharing such a powerful perspective.
January 15, 2026 at 3:18 PM
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