What Is Behind the Rise in Roadkill Along RM 2871?

Many Benbrook drivers have noticed it. More dead animals along RM 2871, especially deer, and far more than usual over the past month. The timing has sparked questions and a lot of windshield conversations.

Some residents are pointing to the air cannons that have been firing off at night near the construction zones. The loud booms are not random. They were being used intentionally to scare deer away from active work areas and nearby roads.

Others believe the ongoing construction along RM 2871 and I-20 is contributing to the migration by pushing wildlife out of familiar paths and into traffic. When habitat shifts quickly, animals often move unpredictably.

There is also a seasonal factor that cannot be ignored. Late fall and early winter mark the tail end of the deer breeding season. During November and December, deer are more active, traveling farther and crossing roads more often. That alone typically leads to an increase in collisions every year.

The reality may be a mix of all three. Seasonal movement, construction displacement, and constant nighttime noise could be stacking the odds against wildlife. Several residents say the number feels noticeably higher than last year, even compared to other winters.

For now, drivers are encouraged to stay alert, especially after dark and during early morning hours. Whether the booms are helping or adding to the problem remains a topic of local debate, but one thing is clear. Wildlife activity around Benbrook roads has everyone paying closer attention.

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Benbrook, Texas
4:02 am, Jun 15, 2026
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