Travel Tips & Trends

Deer

Wildlife on our roads

Autumn is the most dangerous time of year for animal-vehicle collisions. All over Colorado, tourists and residents alike are traveling to their favorite fall destinations—at the same time that many wild animals are on the move for their seasonal migration.

Be particularly alert at dawn and dusk, when animals are more active, and scan the roadsides as well as the road ahead. At night, watch for shining eyes. Drive cautiously in areas where trees and brush are close to the side of the road; you may not realize an animal is about to step out until it's too late.

Ten key roadways where drivers should be extra cautious during the fall:

  • I-70 & Hwy 285 west of Denver
  • I-70 west of Vail
  • I-70 at Glenwood Springs
  • Hwy 36 north of Boulder
  • I-25 at Colorado Springs
  • Hwy 160 east of Alamosa
  • Hwy 160 west of Del Norte
  • Hwys 550 & 160 at Durango
  • Hwy 285 north of Salida
  • Hwy 40 east of Craig

If you come upon an animal in the road, brake—never swerve. Be prepared to hit the animal. A collision with a large animal can be extremely serious, but it is still safer than a swerve into oncoming traffic.

There are no legal consequences for hitting a wild animal, unless the motorist was speeding. Even if no damage occurs, please assist the State Patrol by calling *CSP to report such incidents. This will help in maintaining accurate records of where and when wildlife collisions occur.