How to stay safe during the peak time for wildlife-vehicle collisions
Nov 1, 2024, 5:00 PM
As winter weather arrives, Utah residents are cautioned about interacting with wild animals as they enter lower-elevations in search of food. (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)
(Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)
SALT LAKE CITY — Nearly 8,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions have been reported in Utah so far this year. That number is expected to rise this month.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Migration Initiative Coordinator Makeda Hanson said November is one of the peak times for these types of collisions.
“We see two peaks in wildlife-vehicle collisions typically. Often we’ll see them in the October-November time frame when the deer are going from their summer habitat to their winter habitat.”
Related: Fall wildlife migrations are about to start, DWR warns drivers
Hanson said there are two main reasons why there are more deer roaming around. One is because it’s getting colder, leading wildlife to migrate to warmer areas.
The other reason is because it’s mating season. That means the male deer are moving around a lot more trying to find mates.
“The mule deer bucks are looking for mule deer does, so they’re not always paying the most attention to what’s going on around them,” said Hanson. “They’re just more apt to be distracted.”
How to stay safe
There are several ways you can improve safety on the roads during this season. One recommendation is for drivers to be extra alert during dawn and dusk.
“They’re moving during those early morning and afternoon hours, so just for people to exercise extra caution this time of year because animals are going to be on the roadway,” said Hanson.
Hanson also recommended staying cautious around wildlife crossing signs and, if possible, using high-beam headlights.
“If you can pay attention to the sides of the road, really look for that eye shine,” she said.
