Knoxville, TN – As winter conditions settle in across Tennessee and nights grow longer, drivers near Knoxville are being warned about a seasonal danger that spikes sharply this time of year: wildlife collisions after dark.
According to Tennessee 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, black bears, coyotes, and other wildlife are pushed toward roadways as food becomes scarce and colder temperatures limit movement. In East Tennessee, animals frequently travel along forested ridgelines, river valleys, rural highways, and suburban edges near Knoxville, placing them directly in vehicle travel paths—especially along winding roads near the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.
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 statewide, while bear encounters—though less frequent—can pose serious risks due to terrain and visibility challenges.
The Tennessee 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 collisions on narrow or curving roads.
Drivers are also encouraged to watch roadsides carefully near wooded areas, open fields, and less-developed stretches around Knoxville. 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 Tennessee. Drivers are urged to use extra caution during evening and early morning travel, when animal movement is at its peak.
