Albuquerque, NM – As winter conditions settle in across New Mexico and nights grow longer, drivers near Albuquerque are being warned about a seasonal danger that spikes sharply this time of year: wildlife collisions after dark.
According to New Mexico wildlife officials and transportation agencies, winter forces animals to alter 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 traveling in darkness just as wildlife activity increases.
Officials say mule deer, elk, coyotes, foxes, and other wildlife are pushed toward roadways as food becomes scarce and colder overnight temperatures limit movement. In central New Mexico, animals frequently travel along desert foothills, bosque river corridors, open rangeland, and suburban edges near Albuquerque, placing them directly in vehicle travel paths—often along I-25, I-40, and rural state highways.
Wildlife biologists note that winter intensifies feeding pressure and migration from higher elevations, 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—can be especially dangerous due to the animals’ size and low nighttime visibility.
The New Mexico 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 high-speed desert highways.
Drivers are also encouraged to watch roadsides carefully near open desert, river corridors, foothills, and less-developed stretches outside the Albuquerque 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 New Mexico. Drivers are urged to use extra caution during evening and early morning travel, when animal movement is at its peak.
