More Crashes Involving Wildlife in Colorado, the Numbers Grow Each Year

(The following is a news release from the Colorado State Patrol)

Colorado State Patrol sees annual increases in wildlife crashes

(Colorado)—While wildlife crashes happen year-round in Colorado, October through December is the peak season due to animals moving to lower elevations (migration) for the coming season. Many species of Colorado wildlife are highly vulnerable to being struck at this time of year because it is also their peak mating season. They are more mobile, easily distracted, and more likely to be crossing roadways.

When looking at the past five years of Colorado State Patrol data (2021-2025), the number of wildlife crashes investigated by the Patrol has increased year over year.

Animal Crashes by Year
2021	2,296
2022	3,187
2023	3,489
2024	3,787
2025	3,904

“Last year troopers responded to over 3,900 crashes involving wildlife, with autumn as the most active months,” explained Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “While white-tailed deer and elk are the most frequently struck wildlife, we have other species such as pronghorn, bear and marmots that ensure every region of our state is susceptible to wildlife encounters. It is up to all of us to remove distractions and watch out for these beautiful animals.”

Some of the highest-risk areas, according to 2021-2025 Colorado State Patrol wildlife crash data, include:

• Highway 160 (Durango to Pagosa Springs and Durango to Mancos)

• Highway 50 (Pueblo to eastern state line, Blue Mesa Reservoir and Gunnison to Parlin)

• Interstate 70 (Floyd Hill, Mt. Vernon Canyon and Eagle)

• Interstate 25 (Castle Rock to Larkspur)

• US 285 (Morrison)

• Hwy 40 (Craig to Steamboat, Tabernash, and Berthoud Pass)

• Hwy 24 (Riverside to Buena Vista, Newett to Johnson Village)

• Highway 550 (north of Durango and from Montrose to Ouray)

Wildlife collisions cause heavy damage to vehicles, and the animal often does not survive. The most effective way to reduce the likelihood of a crash and the severity of damage is for drivers to obey the posted speed limit. And if visibility decreases for any reason, drivers should consider further reducing their speed.

Tips to Avoiding a Wildlife Crash

• Don’t exceed the speed limit.

• Scan roads (or shoulders) for movement and eye shine.

• Use bright lights at night when safe.

• If you have time and space behind you, stop for wildlife on the road/use hazard lights.

• Be aware of groups: remember that if you see one animal, there may be others nearby.

  
  

If you encounter an animal and do not have time to safely brake in a straight line, the right choice is to drive through, keeping in your lane. If you are traveling in an outside lane with the white stripe to your right or a single lane, angle slightly to hit the butt of the animal. Never swerve or jerk your vehicle’s wheel.

If you are involved in a crash with an animal, call 9-1-1 just as you would in any other emergency. In addition, if you witness wildlife in distress from possibly being struck on or near the side of the road, call *CSP for the proper resource to be notified and sent to the scene.

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