Living with Wildlife
Wildlife on the Roadways
Wildlife-vehicle collisions can happen year-round at any time. There is an increase during the winter migration season, especially between dusk and dawn hours, when animals move to lower elevations for the coming winter. Deer are extremely vulnerable to being struck at this time of year because it is their peak mating season. They are more mobile, easily distracted, and more likely to be crossing roadways.
3,300
the average number of wildlife hits reported each year to the Colorado Department of Transportation
Be Careful on the Road
Roads at High Risk for Wildlife Accidents
Wildlife-related accidents can happen anywhere in Colorado. Drivers should be especially cautious when traveling through forests and agricultural land. Though several overpass and underpass projects have recently been completed, drivers should still be especially careful in the following high-risk areas:
- Interstate 70 (Floyd Hill, Mt. Vernon Canyon and Eagle)
- US 285 (Morrison)
- Highway 160 (Durango to Pagosa Springs and Durango to Mancos)
- Highway 550 (north of Durango and from Montrose to Ouray)
- Interstate 25 (Castle Rock to Larkspur)
- Highway 82 (Glenwood Springs to Aspen)
- Highway 36 (Boulder to Lyons)
- Highway 93 (Golden to Boulder)
Staying Safe on Colorado's Highways and Byways
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Slow Down!
Driving more slowly increases reaction time and reduces the chance of a collision.
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Stay Alert
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.
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Scan Ahead
Scan ahead and watch for movement along roadsides. When driving at night, watch for shining eyes in headlights. Always be prepared for more than one animal.
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Traffic and Wildlife Signs
Obey traffic signs and watch for wildlife warning signs.
Report an Accident
Drivers involved in a wildlife-vehicle collision must report the accident to the Colorado State Patrol.
Colorado State Patrol
Report by calling *CSP (star key and 277) or the main 24 hour headquarters at 303-239-4501 .
Find out more
Protecting Wildlife from Collisions
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, collaborating with partners, are taking steps to help wildlife move freely. Installing wildlife crossings and radar systems will reduce collisions with vehicles and keep paths open. Removing old fences or making them wildlife-friendly lowers the risk of entanglement, and setting timing rules and buffer zones reduces disturbance to wildlife in crucial areas.