Has anyone else had this situation happen since they got their MINI? I have been driving for 30+ years and have maybe hit 1 animal in all that time. However, since getting my MINI in late September I have already hit a groundhog, a squirrel and a bird (the groundhog survived, the squirrel didn't, the bird I can't say but he wasn't in my grill when I stopped). This was at normal speed, neighborhood driving. What's with that? Are small animals assuming it's one of their own because of the size of the car? The color? (dark silver) Or are they just so surprised to see such a cool car that they are temporarily frozen like a deer in the headlights?

 

Unless one of these hapless creatures ended up under your bonnet, I think this thread is in the wrong forum...

 

Here's a link to a post I made on roadfly of a postcard MINI Canada put out. If you live in the country you should get the humor!
Postcard link
This is ment to amuse not offend.

 

or better if this works...

 

That's very fitting. Guess they weren't kidding. Sorry to hear Don. Hope the MINI is all right. I recieved that postcard from the dealer with a bunch of other goodies when I first inquired about the MINI. I thought it was hilarious.
Cheers,

 

>>Has anyone else had this situation happen since they got their MINI? I have been driving for 30+ years and have maybe hit 1 animal in all that time. However, since getting my MINI in late September I have already hit a groundhog, a squirrel and a bird (the groundhog survived, the squirrel didn't, the bird I can't say but he wasn't in my grill when I stopped). This was at normal speed, neighborhood driving. What's with that? Are small animals assuming it's one of their own because of the size of the car? The color? (dark silver) Or are they just so surprised to see such a cool car that they are temporarily frozen like a deer in the headlights?

Funny you mention that. In the first month I hit a bird - flew right into my windshield in my line of sight and landed on the road behind me. My passenger, Wendy, was mortified. Then a few weeks later, a squirrel ran across 4 lanes to be hit by my front tire. I tried to get around him, but he just kept running toward my MINI. I haven't hit any animals with any other car...hmmm.. Bad Car-ma.

 

Actually I found the opposite with my MCS. I've tried to spread the rumor that the high pitched whine of the supercharger scares the beasties away.

 

>>Actually I found the opposite with my MCS. I've tried to spread the rumor that the high pitched whine of the supercharger scares the beasties away.

That worked with my Lightning. The supercharger whine on those is rather noticeable. Like about 10X what the MCS is, when the hammer is down. It put a good scare into those ricers as well.

 

I think they just want to take a look at a really cool car and the when they realize its not a toy...

 

I took out two birds in the first month; got a squirrel last week.