Getting Deer In Hunt, Good; Getting Deer On Road, Bad

As daylight saving time ends on November 3, Utahns will gain an extra hour of sleep, but they’ll also face new safety challenges with earlier sunsets and darker evening commutes. This change in visibility, combined with seasonal wildlife migration, increases the likelihood of vehicle-wildlife collisions. Wildlife like deer are especially active during November, coinciding with mating season and their annual migration to lower elevations for food. These factors create peak conditions for accidents, particularly during dawn and dusk hours when visibility is limited and commuting traffic is high.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has made strides to reduce these incidents through the Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative. Established in 2017, the Initiative uses GPS tracking and tagging to study the movement of animals and fish across Utah. Data gathered from this technology guides the construction of strategically placed wildlife crossings along highways, helping animals safely navigate migration routes and reducing their presence on roadways. Fencing, overpasses, and underpasses have contributed to fewer vehicle collisions involving wildlife since the last study in 2012, which recorded roughly 10,000 deer/vehicle collisions. This year, however, Utah has already logged over 7,800 wildlife collisions, underscoring the importance of continued driver vigilance.

To reduce the risk of collision, Wild Aware Utah offers these practical tips: stay alert at dawn and dusk, heed wildlife crossing signs, avoid distractions like phones, and use high-beam headlights when possible. Scan both sides of the road for signs of movement, and if you spot an animal, slow down. Many animals travel in groups, so if you see one, others may follow.

In the event of a collision, it’s important to stay calm and prioritize safety. Pull over if necessary, avoid approaching injured animals, and contact authorities if the animal poses a public hazard. Drivers can also report incidents through the Utah Roadkill Reporter app, which supports the Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative by identifying high-risk areas for future wildlife crossings.

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With these precautions, drivers can play an active role in both public safety and wildlife preservation as the winter season approaches.