With summer in full swing, many people are heading out on road trips. Though the biggest obstacle to a happy vacation is probably still gas prices
, accidentally running over a crossing animal might be a close second. Here’s what one Twitter user meant by “cobra chickens,” and what drivers can do
to avoid making them into roadkill. Origins of the “cobra chicken”
In the summer of 2018, a Twitter user shared a story about a coworker who, while out tending horses, was disturbed by the presence of a nest of what he called a “cobra chicken.” The animal in question was actually a Canadian goose, but the creative misnomer was an instant hit. The tweet went viral, says Know Your Meme
, and quickly made its way into the hallowed halls of Reddit, where it was also a hit. In a follow-up post, the same user shared a video of a Canadian goose hissing and flapping its wings as the camera approaches. For those unfamiliar with these big, territorial birds, this is a helpful primer. It’s clear why the subject of the original anecdote did not care for the cobra chicken.
Road safety tips for avoiding cobra chickens
Canadian geese are native to North America, and their migratory patterns are widespread. All About Birds
notes that these birds are fans of grasslands, so it’s not uncommon to see them in lawns and parks across the U.S. and Canada. Like other urban and suburban birds, they coexist with us—which means that we have to take extra care to keep them safe from our stuff, including our cars. The Humane Society
gives us several practical tips for keeping any crossing cobra chickens safe from vehicular harm. Follow the speed limit (a great idea in every scenario) to give yourself more time to react to any hazards. And while driving the speed limit, don’t get stuck staring at one fixed point ahead of you: scan the road from side to side to be aware of any hazards. Wildlife are especially likely to be out and about during the beginning and the end of the day, so take extra care during those dawn or nighttime excursions. Additionally, be aware of the context of your surroundings—driving near nature means increased likelihood of animal neighbors passing through.
Finally, use your lights to your advantage. If safe to do so, throw on your high beams to illuminate any passing creatures, and consider dimming your dashboard lights so the contrast of an animal’s eyes in your headlights is more obvious. The cobra chickens will be able to cross the road in peace.
Saving on car insurance
Now that you’re an incredibly safe driver who won’t ever run over a cobra chicken, you may want to take another look at your car insurance. Could you be saving even more? The Jerry
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