I am a little surprised how many people have encounters deer. I spent a lot of time riding in deer country, and have any near misses with any. I am actually pretty proud of my low number of animal incidents, both on the bike and the car. I've ridden over more than one snake while on the bike. One I am certain was still alive when I hit it, the others I am not so sure. I recently had an encounter with a rat while on the Elliott Bay trail here in Seattle. A large rat ran across the bike path, away from me. At the last minute, it stopped, turned, and bolted toward me. Just as I began to swerve, at that moment I rode past it. I felt my foot come into contact with its head as I rode past. WHACK! I hope it didn't suffer any brain damage or concussion from the impact. I Have a feeling it was fine. While it definitely ran into my foot, I have a feeling rats can take a lot of impact with no ill effects.