Wildlife may not have to wrestle with changing the time on their microwave oven but the weather and human clock changes can pose some challenges for animals moving to lower elevations in advance of the coming winter. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding drivers that with dusk arriving earlier, the chances increase for collisions with deer and elk on Colorado’s roads.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, November sees more car accidents involving wildlife than any other month.
“It’s going to be obviously most dangerous at dusk and dawn,” said Colorado Parks and Wildlife District Wildlife Manager Cody Wigner. “This time of year the days are getting shorter and people are commuting to and from work at those times.”
Visibility is poor when many of our big game animals are most active. Deer are extremely vulnerable to being struck this time of year because this is their peak mating season. They are more mobile, easily distracted and more likely to be crossing roadways.
According to transportation studies, motor vehicle accidents involving wildlife rank as the third leading cause for crashes behind speeding and inattentive driving. These statistics include severe property damage, injuries and fatalities.
Remember These Tips
While some collisions may be unavoidable, motorists can reduce the likelihood of an accident by taking the following precautions:
- Slow Down! Driving more slowly increases reaction time and reduces the chance of a collision.
- Stay Alert while driving at dusk and dawn. This is when many of Colorado’s wildlife are the most active and are likely to be crossing roadways.
- Scan Ahead and watch for movement along roadsides. When driving at night, watch for shining eyes in headlights. Always look and be prepared for more than one animal.
- Obey traffic signs and watch for wildlife warning signs.
Photo credit: David Beyer
