Des Moines, IA – As winter conditions settle in across Iowa and nights grow longer, drivers near Des Moines are being warned about a seasonal danger that spikes sharply this time of year: wildlife collisions after dark.
According to Iowa wildlife officials and transportation agencies, winter forces animals to change their movement patterns, bringing them closer to roads and highways—often during evening and early morning hours when visibility is reduced. Shorter daylight hours mean more drivers are on the road in darkness just as wildlife activity increases.
Officials say white-tailed deer, coyotes, foxes, and other wildlife are pushed toward roadways as food becomes scarce and frozen ground limits movement. In central Iowa, animals frequently travel along farmland edges, wooded river corridors, drainage ditches, and suburban areas near Des Moines, placing them directly in vehicle travel paths—often along rural highways and busy commuter routes.
Wildlife biologists note that winter alters feeding behavior, 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 among the most common wildlife-related crashes in Iowa and can result in serious injuries, extensive vehicle damage, and dangerous roadway conditions.
The Iowa 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 loss of control or secondary crashes—particularly on icy or rural roads.
Drivers are also encouraged to watch roadsides carefully near wooded areas, open fields, and less-developed stretches outside the Des Moines 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 Iowa. Drivers are urged to use extra caution during evening and early morning travel, when animal movement is at its peak.
