Sacramento, CA – As winter conditions settle in across Northern and Central California and nights grow longer, drivers near Sacramento are being warned about a seasonal danger that spikes sharply this time of year: wildlife collisions after dark.
According to California Department of Fish and Wildlife and transportation officials, winter forces animals to significantly alter their movement patterns, bringing them closer to roads and highways—often during evening and early morning hours when visibility is lowest. Shorter daylight hours mean more drivers are traveling in darkness just as wildlife activity increases.
Officials say black-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, coyotes, and other wildlife are pushed toward roadways as colder temperatures and snowpack limit movement in higher elevations. Along the Sierra Nevada foothills and Central Valley edges, animals frequently migrate downslope toward lower elevations near Sacramento, placing them directly in vehicle travel paths—often along Highway 50, I-80, Highway 49, and rural mountain corridors.
Wildlife biologists note that winter intensifies migration and feeding pressure, causing animals to move earlier in the evening and later in the morning. This overlap with commute times significantly increases the likelihood of crashes. Deer collisions are common across Northern California, while elk collisions—though less frequent—pose serious dangers due to the animals’ size and reduced nighttime visibility.
Caltrans urges drivers to slow down in areas marked with wildlife crossing signs and remain especially alert between sunset and sunrise. High beams should be used when possible, but officials caution drivers not to swerve suddenly to avoid animals, as that can lead to loss of control or secondary crashes—particularly on winding mountain roads.
Drivers are also encouraged to watch roadsides carefully near foothills, forest edges, river corridors, and less-developed stretches outside the Sacramento metro. Wildlife often travels in groups, meaning if one animal crosses the road, others may follow moments later.
As winter continues and daylight remains limited, officials say wildlife-related crashes will remain a serious risk across Northern and Central California. Drivers are urged to use extra caution during evening and early morning travel, when animal movement is at its peak.
