Salt Lake City, UT – As winter conditions deepen across Utah and nights grow longer, drivers near Salt Lake City are being warned about a seasonal danger that spikes sharply this time of year: wildlife collisions after dark.
According to Utah Division of Wildlife Resources 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, elk, moose, coyotes, and other wildlife are pushed toward roadways as food becomes scarce at higher elevations and snowpack limits movement. Along the Wasatch Front, animals frequently migrate down from foothills and canyons into valley areas near Salt Lake City, placing them directly in vehicle travel paths—often along I-15, I-80, I-215, and canyon access roads.
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 and moose collisions—though less frequent—pose serious risks due to the animals’ size and height, particularly at night.
The Utah 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—especially on icy roads or canyon routes.
Drivers are also encouraged to watch roadsides carefully near foothills, open space, canyon mouths, and less-developed stretches outside the Salt Lake City 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 Utah. Drivers are urged to use extra caution during evening and early morning travel, when animal movement is at its peak.
