Drivers reminded to watch for wildlife

SHERIDAN (WNE) — Drivers are involved in more than 7,600 wildlife collisions on Wyoming roadways annually. The majority of those crashes — between 80% and  85% — are with mule deer.

The crash risk with mule deer increases in the fall and spring when deer follow historical pathways to their winter and summer ranges. While roadway modifications are being made throughout the state to help with safe wildlife passage, drivers can aid deer to safety as well.

The highest risk for collisions are during dawn and dusk hours when wildlife frequent roads at the same time as drivers. During these low-light periods, drivers often don’t see deer before a collision, so many crashes could be avoided by slowing down and being more attentive when traveling these times of the day.

“The No. 1 action a driver can take is slowing down,” said Jill Randall, Wyoming Game and Fish Department big game migration coordinator. “This could be even slower than the posted speed limit. Driving slowly gives you a better chance of stopping.”

Randall also encourages drivers to be mindful of other travelers. If you see wildlife, a flash of the headlights can warn oncoming cars to reduce speeds. Also, leave enough following distance between other vehicles to allow time to react if they hit a deer.

Drivers who collide with deer or other large wildlife on the road are encouraged to call their local law enforcement agency to report the accident. Drivers also can report roadkill on the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s 511 app but should not try to move a dead animal from the roadway because it can be extremely dangerous.

This story was published on November 7, 2024.