My animal experience was a hoot, only because noone fell or got hurt. On a 1500 person group ride with a mass start (roads blocked by local police) there was a squirrel that decided to cross the street. That sucker was flung up in the air from getting caught in spokes, had his tail run over, kicked in the head by pedals and so on by about 4-5 riders. Every time he zigged to avoid one bike he got hit by another. He finally made it across without showing and ill effects.