The Division of Wildlife Resources advised drivers to be wary of animal crossings during migration season. The end of daylight saving time causes evening commutes to be during low-visibility hours, which can increase vehicle and wildlife collisions.
October and November are when the highest number of vehicle and deer collisions occur due to deer migrating to lower elevations for the winter season.
“The time of year with the highest risk of hitting deer in Utah is during November,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Migration Initiative Coordinator Makeda Hanson said. “It coincides with mating season and the annual migration of deer. Animals are crossing more roads during the migration, and male deer move around a lot more to find mates. It also doesn’t help that the daylight hours are shorter during this time of year, creating lower visibility for drivers.”
Deer are more active at dawn and dusk, coinciding with average commuting hours. Wild Aware Utah recommends some tips to help avoid wildlife collisions:
- Be especially alert during dawn and dusk hours
- Watch for wildlife crossing signs as they are placed in areas that are known to have a high volume of wildlife crossings
- Be alert on roadways near wooded, agricultural and water-filled areas
- Watch both sides of the road; have passengers help watch for wildlife
- Don’t drive distracted
- Use high beams
- Look for animals’ eyeshine
- Watch for animals traveling in groups
- Don’t throw trash or food scraps out of the car; it may draw animals to the roadside
It is recommended not to swerve if you see a deer or smaller animal. If several animals are standing in the road, do not exit the vehicle; instead, honk the horn and flash lights to encourage them to move out of the road.
According to the DWR, from Jan. 1 to Oct. 8, 2026, 3,738 roadkill animals were removed from Utah roads. Over 60 wildlife crossing structures and hundreds of miles of fencing have been built throughout Utah to help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions.
The Utah Roadkill Reporter app was launched in 2022, and since its release, 19,441 roadkill animals have been reported.
Author: Lainey Porter
Photo courtesy of the Division of Wildlife Resources
Editor: Payson Davis
outdoors@suunews.net
