I see dead and dying animals on almost every ride, especially on rural routes. I'm not indifferent, just pragmatic. That's life. Turkey vultures, ants and scavengers gotta eat too.

My main soft spot is to move them off the road. If the critter is dying, at least they can be a bit more comfortable. If the critter is dead I move it off the road so the turkey vultures don't get hit while doing their jobs. Depends on the carcass and condition. I don't want to get deer ticks or parasites so I don't touch some carcasses.

I save my compassion for humans. I often stop to check on vulnerable looking homeless and street people I see in town, or hitchhikers along the rural route to see if they need to make a phone call, etc. Sometimes I'll get them something to eat and drink if I can spare a few bucks and there's a store or restaurant nearby. Sometimes I photograph them if they consent. It's not idle curiosity or my usual approach to street photography. Family and friends might be looking for them. Adult protective services and other agencies might help if the homeless or street person has physical or mental disabilities -- many I meet are schizophrenic, some are older with dementia or other problems. A photo can help these agencies too. Often I blog about the homeless and street folks I meet.

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From Tuesday afternoon's ride. It caught my eye because I happened to be wearing the same color jersey -- hi-vis yellow. Just one of those things. I moved the bird to the roadside so scavengers wouldn't also be struck and killed.