Morgantown, WV – As winter conditions settle in across West Virginia and nights grow longer, drivers near Morgantown are being warned about a seasonal danger that spikes sharply this time of year: wildlife collisions after dark.
According to West Virginia 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 limited. Shorter daylight hours mean more drivers are traveling 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 frozen ground limits movement. In north-central West Virginia, animals frequently travel along forested ridgelines, river valleys, and rural roadways near Morgantown, placing them directly in vehicle travel paths—often on winding, low-visibility roads.
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 size and terrain.
The West Virginia Division of Highways 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 crashes on narrow mountain roads.
Drivers are also encouraged to watch roadsides carefully near wooded areas, steep embankments, and less-developed stretches around Morgantown. 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 West Virginia. Drivers are urged to use extra caution during evening and early morning travel, when animal movement is at its peak.
