ENVIRONMENT

Wildlife accidents are up despite Utah’s mild winter

Jan 6, 2025, 8:00 AM | Updated: 9:49 am

Thousands of wildlife and vehicle accidents happened last year despite the mild winter we've seen s...

Thousands of wildlife and vehicle accidents happened last year despite the mild winter we've seen so far.

SALT LAKE — Thousands of wildlife and vehicle accidents happened last year despite the mostly mild winter we’ve seen so far.

Over 5,200 animal carcasses were picked up from Utah’s roads in 2024, but the real number of animal deaths is much higher.

Related: Utah seeing a recent spike in flu-related hospitalizations, but overall numbers are down

“Our carcass pickups are representative of how many animals are being hit, but we know that it’s about twice that many that are actually being hit,” said Matt Howard, Natural Resource Manager with the Utah Department of Transportation.

Since September, over 2,000 carcasses have been picked up by UDOT contractors. An increase of about 500 carcasses compared to September through December of 2023.

Howard said it doesn’t matter how mild the winter is in the valleys because it’s the upper elevation snow that leads to animal movement.

“Sometimes when we have a lot of snow in our mountains and especially the foothills, it will push the animals down to where we have roads more. Which puts them in more danger of motorists,” he said.

Migration is also caused by factors aside from snow and temperatures, such as mating season.

Related: Great Salt Lake makes new gains to start new year. What does it need in 2025?

“The main amount of movement happens in October, regardless of what weather events are,” said Howard.

Some safety tips to avoid animal-vehicle accidents include being extra aware when driving during dusk and dawn, slowing down in wildlife areas, and using high-beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic.

UDOT is working on several projects to increase safety for both wildlife and drivers.

Monthly carcass numbers for 2023-2024

2024:

  • January:        404
  • February:      457
  • March:           501
  • April:             495
  • May:              304
  • June:             352
  • July:              392
  • August:         307
  • September:  389
  • October:       532
  • November:  469
  • December:   691
    • Total:          5,293

2023:

  • January:        536
  • February:      636
  • March:           439
  • April:             713
  • May:              194
  • June:             138
  • July:              179
  • August:         129
  • September:  165
  • October:       317
  • November:  539
  • December:   618
    • Total:          4,603

Data from Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Environment

Downtown Salt Lake City is pictured from the Avenues on Dec. 27, 2024. Astra Tower, seen here lit i...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Salt Lake City is about to get another weather beacon. Here’s what this one will forecast

Astra Tower, about a block east of the Walker Center, will feature an air quality forecast lighting system, according to the Utah Clean Air Partnership.

18 hours ago

Image of an avalanche that broke on Silver Fork in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Feb. 8, 2025 One man su...

Mariah Maynes and Simone Seikaly

Victim of Silver Fork avalanche identified

Utah Avalanche Center asked backcountry users to stay out of the East Bowl after Saturday's Silver Fork avalanche.

2 days ago

Salt Lake County Search and Rescue responds to an avalanche fatality in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Sa...

Becky Bruce

Avalanche danger to remain “considerable” across Utah, forecaster says

Forecasters expect "considerable" avalanche danger for at least a couple more days, after an active weekend for slides.

2 days ago

FILE - A snowplow in Little Cottonwood Canyon as the storm hits the road. 7 separate accidents caus...

Jacob Freeman

7 separate accidents cause delays on I-15 in Lehi

LEHI — Drivers were experiencing delays Saturday evening after seven separate accidents were reported on Interstate 15 in Lehi. Utah Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Andy Battenfield said the delays started at approximately 7:30 p.m., and said all of the accidents were weather-related. He said no injuries had been reported, and snowplows were on their […]

2 days ago

FILE: An eared grebe taken May 18, 2008. at least 15 thousand birds have died at the Great Salt Lak...

Kennedy Camarena and Diana Jones

Thousands of birds dead due to avian influenza at the Great Salt Lake

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources have reported at least 15 thousand birds have died at the Great Salt Lake due to avian influenza.

3 days ago

Ice Castles lit in pink and blue shades like cotton candy...

Michael Houck

Ice Castles close early due to warm weather

A popular winter attraction in Utah is ending early because of the shorter-than-expected winter season.

4 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Wildlife accidents are up despite Utah’s mild winter