Denver, CO – As winter conditions deepen across Colorado and nights grow longer, drivers near Denver are being warned about a seasonal danger that spikes sharply this time of year: wildlife collisions after dark.
According to Colorado Parks 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 mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, coyotes, and other wildlife are pushed toward roadways as food becomes scarce and snowpack limits movement at higher elevations. Along Colorado’s Front Range, animals frequently move between foothills, open space, river corridors, and suburban edges near Denver, placing them directly in vehicle travel paths—often along I-25, I-70, U.S. 36, and mountain access routes.
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 statewide, while elk collisions—though less frequent—pose serious risks due to the animals’ size and height, especially at night.
The Colorado Department of Transportation 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 rollovers or secondary crashes—particularly on icy roads or mountain corridors.
Drivers are also encouraged to watch roadsides carefully near open space, wooded foothills, river valleys, and less-developed stretches outside the Denver 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 Colorado. Drivers are urged to use extra caution during evening and early morning travel, when animal movement is at its peak.
