Colorado State Patrol sees annual increases in wildlife crashes
Wildlife crashes investigated by the Colorado State Patrol have risen every year for the past five years, and October through December represents the peak danger period as animals migrate to lower elevations and enter their mating season.
Patrol data from 2021 through 2025 shows a steady climb: 2,296 crashes in 2021, 3,187 in 2022, 3,489 in 2023, 3,787 in 2024, and 3,904 in 2025.
© iStock - Alex_Schmidt
"Last year troopers responded to over 3,900 crashes involving wildlife, with autumn as the most active months," said Colonel 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."
Areas identified as highest-risk based on 2021-2025 data include Highway 160 between Durango and Pagosa Springs and Durango and Mancos; Highway 50 from Pueblo to the eastern state line, Blue Mesa Reservoir, and Gunnison to Parlin; Interstate 70 at Floyd Hill, Mt. Vernon Canyon, and Eagle; Interstate 25 from Castle Rock to Larkspur; US 285 near Morrison; Highway 40 from Craig to Steamboat, Tabernash, and Berthoud Pass; Highway 24 from Riverside to Buena Vista and Newett to Johnson Village; and Highway 550 north of Durango and from Montrose to Ouray.
Courtesy USFWS/Ryan Moehring.
Obeying posted speed limits is the most effective way to reduce both the likelihood and severity of a wildlife crash. Drivers should also scan roads and shoulders for movement and eye shine, use bright lights at night when safe, and watch for groups of animals — if one is visible, others may be nearby. If an animal is on the road and there is time and space, drivers should stop and activate hazard lights.
If a collision cannot be avoided, drivers should remain in their lane. When traveling in an outside lane or on a single-lane road, angle slightly to strike the rear of the animal. Never swerve or jerk the steering wheel.
Anyone involved in a crash with an animal should call 9-1-1. Drivers who witness wildlife in distress on or near a roadway should call the Colorado State Patrol so the proper resource can be notified and dispatched to the scene.
