Wildlife on the Move as Daylight Saving Time Ends in Colorado

Colorado drivers should prepare for increased wildlife on roadways as daylight saving time ends November 2, bringing evening commutes into peak hours for animal movement between high country and lower elevations.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Colorado Department of Transportation and Colorado State Patrol issued a joint warning October 29 urging motorists to drive cautiously as colder weather pushes deer, elk and other wildlife toward winter habitats. The clock change will shift dusk an hour earlier, placing rush-hour traffic directly in the window when animals are most active on roads.

State troopers responded to 3,777 crashes involving wildlife in 2024, with October, November and December accounting for the highest collision rates, according to Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol.

"Whether it is elk in the high country or pronghorn on the plains, there is no area of our state that doesn't have wildlife," Packard said. "So, it is up to all of us to remove distractions and watch out for these beautiful animals."

Autumn Migration Drives Collision Surge

Colorado experiences approximately 4,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions annually, costing drivers around $80 million per year, according to state data. Seasonal spikes occur in fall and spring, coinciding with migration and breeding periods for large mammals.

Mule deer and elk migrate from high-elevation summer ranges in the Rockies toward lower-elevation valleys and foothills beginning in October, with major movement continuing through November and December. The timing aligns with rutting season, when animals are less cautious crossing roadways.

Wildlife officials emphasized that animals follow traditional migration paths between seasonal ranges based on plant growth and weather patterns. Roadways frequently intersect these historic corridors, creating persistent collision risks during peak movement periods.

Michelle Cowardin, CPW wildlife movement coordinator, said motorists must remain vigilant as animals move to winter range. "It is important for motorists to scan the roadway and shoulders for movement, not be distracted, and obey speed limits to minimize their risk of an accident with wildlife," Cowardin said.

Safety Measures for Drivers

Transportation and wildlife officials outlined specific actions drivers should take to avoid collisions:

• Slow down, especially at night when deer and other wildlife are most active. Moderate speeds maintain reaction time and allow appropriate response to animals on or near roads.
• Stay alert and pay close attention to roadsides between dusk and dawn. Watch for movement and shining eyes along shoulders.
• Expect multiple animals when one is spotted. If you see one animal, others are likely in the area.
• Obey traffic signs in areas where wildlife warning signs indicate known animal movement zones. Many highways have reduced speed limits in high-activity areas.
• Avoid swerving or jerking the wheel. Swerving can cause loss of control, collisions with other vehicles or driving off the road.
• Always wear seat belts. The risk of serious injury and death in crashes is reduced by half when seat belts are worn.

Report all wildlife-vehicle collisions to Colorado State Patrol by calling *CSP (277). State law requires drivers to report collisions involving wildlife if the incident results in vehicle damage, injury or if the animal creates a traffic hazard.

Infrastructure Projects Aim to Reduce Collisions

CDOT continues incorporating wildlife mitigation features into highway improvement projects after studies showed underpasses, overpasses and exclusion fencing reduce collisions by 80 to 90 percent.

"We consider it a wise investment to include features like underpasses, overpasses and high wildlife fencing, especially when they can help reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle crashes by 80 to 90 percent," said Keith Stefanik, CDOT chief engineer.

Several Northern Colorado highway segments have wildlife crossings or fencing, including portions of US 34, US 287 and Interstate 25 north of Fort Collins. The I-25 Greenland Wildlife Overpass under construction south of Denver is expected to reduce collisions by 86 to 97 percent when completed in early 2025, based on data from similar structures.

Colorado received $57 million in federal funding between 2022 and 2027 specifically for DC fast charger construction along major travel corridors. State and local officials identified Interstate 25, U.S. Highway 34 and other key routes through Larimer and Weld counties as priority areas for wildlife crossing infrastructure.

CPW and CDOT monitor wildlife collision data to identify potential highway mitigation projects through the Colorado Wildlife Transportation Alliance. The agencies use five years of collision data, habitat models, migration studies and public input to prioritize locations for crossing structures and warning signage.

Highway projects completed in 2024 include the I-70 Genesee Wildlife Crossing, US 550 Connection South Wildlife Underpasses and CO 115 Penrose and Colorado Springs Wildlife Underpasses. Projects currently under construction include the I-25 Greenland Wildlife Overpass, I-70 West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes with wildlife underpasses and US 160 Fort Garland Wildlife Underpasses.

Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife at cpw.state.co.us for information about wildlife migration and movement. CDOT's Wildlife Program information is available at codot.gov/programs/environmental/wildlife.