Roadkill

Every year, when summer begins, there are certain constants upon which we can rely: car-travel increases as vacationers take to the streets to reach recreational destinations and, in response to that increased traffic, fuel prices increase for no better reason than there are extra profits to be made.

Well, apparently, the animal kingdom got the memo, and they've decided to take action!

This morning, in Fredon, New Jersey, a black bear "unexpectedly" ran onto a highway, and collided with a northbound motorcycle. The cyclist avoided serious injury, and it was reported the bear returned to the woods, seemingly unscathed.

Three days earlier, a raccoon, described as acrobatic and mean-spirited, knocked out power to the area and was blamed for creating a five hour traffic delay in Memphis, Tennessee.

These are not random acts, people. We have encroached upon the animals' domain to such an extent, the animals are now exhibiting signs of exhausted tolerance.

For centuries, man and beast coexisted, but as man's insatiable thirst for conquest continued to stretch the boundaries of its society, consequently reducing the free-range animal lands, relations between the two groups have become strained.

Even if they agreed to recognize man's legislative group and its self-proclaimed authority, without the privilege of opposable thumbs, the animals are physically incapable of drafting thoughtful prose requesting agreed-upon boundaries. Therefore, they must be a collective species of action-takers. It seems, at first, they are willing to merely be disruptive, and not take human life, but as this summer season progresses, I fear the damage inflicted by these embittered beasts will become more perilous and terminal. No doubt, both sides will sustain losses.

As a word of caution, please beware of potential attacks as you travel to the beach or into the mountains this summer. The nation's wild residents have sent a message. To those who do not heed that warning, imminent peril awaits, whether it's physical injury, or the torturous mental warfare imposed by hours of unnecessary traffic.

Let us all consider ourselves warned.