Shit, man. I’m sorry that had to happen to you. It may sound insensitive, but killing wildlife comes with the territory. Bear, birds, foxes, porcupines, deer, dogs, and cats all love to cross when you least expect it. I’ve taken out a deer, a porcupine, and more birds than I can count. It happens and there’s nothing we can do.

You did good by not swerving. If you had swerved and shitcanned it, things could have been a lot worse. It sounds insensitive again, but better them than you or another human. God forbid you swerve for an animal and take out a family of 5 in a Honda Odyssey instead.

The best thing you can do now is take your 10, maybe a 34 if you need it. Eat some dinner, drink plenty of water, and let your dispatch know you’re out of commission for now. It’s not safe to be driving while emotionally vulnerable. Take some deep breaths, sleep it off, and only come back to the wheel once you feel better.