Cheyenne, WY – As winter conditions intensify across Wyoming and nights grow longer, drivers near Cheyenne are being warned about a seasonal danger that spikes sharply this time of year: wildlife collisions after dark.
According to Wyoming Game and Fish Department officials and transportation agencies, winter forces animals to significantly alter their movement patterns, pushing them closer to roads and highways—often during evening and early morning hours when visibility is at its lowest. Shorter daylight hours mean more drivers are traveling in darkness just as wildlife activity increases.
Officials say mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose, antelope, and other wildlife are driven toward roadways as food becomes scarce and deep snow limits movement. In southeastern Wyoming, animals frequently travel along open rangeland, windblown plains, river corridors, and plowed highway routes near Cheyenne, placing them directly in vehicle travel paths—especially along I-80, I-25, and rural state highways.
Wildlife biologists note that harsh winter conditions intensify feeding pressure, causing animals to move earlier in the evening and later in the morning. This overlap with commute times dramatically increases the risk of crashes. While deer collisions are common statewide, collisions involving elk or moose are especially dangerous due to the animals’ size, height, and tendency to blend into dark conditions.
The Wyoming 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 whenever possible, but officials warn drivers not to swerve suddenly to avoid animals, as that can lead to rollovers or multi-vehicle crashes—particularly on icy or wind-swept roads.
Drivers are also encouraged to watch roadsides carefully near open rangeland, fence lines, river bottoms, and less-developed stretches outside Cheyenne. 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 Wyoming. Drivers are urged to use extra caution during evening and early morning travel, when animal movement is at its peak.
