Worcester, MA – As winter conditions settle in across Massachusetts and nights grow longer, drivers near Worcester are being warned about a seasonal danger that spikes sharply this time of year: wildlife collisions after dark.
According to Massachusetts wildlife officials and transportation agencies, winter forces animals to change their movement patterns, bringing them closer to roadways—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 white-tailed deer, coyotes, foxes, and other wildlife are pushed toward roads as food becomes scarce and frozen ground limits movement. In Central Massachusetts, animals frequently travel along wooded corridors, conservation land, and suburban edges near Worcester, placing them directly in vehicle travel paths.
Wildlife biologists note that winter alters feeding behavior, causing many animals to move earlier in the evening and later in the morning. This timing overlaps with commute hours, increasing the likelihood of crashes. Deer collisions are among the most common wildlife-related crashes statewide and can result in serious injuries and extensive vehicle damage.
The Massachusetts 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 collisions with other vehicles.
Drivers are also encouraged to watch roadsides carefully near wooded areas, open fields, and less-developed stretches around Worcester. 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 Massachusetts. Drivers are urged to use extra caution during evening and early morning travel, when animal movement is at its peak.
