Colorado Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions Rose Through 2025
Drivers across Colorado reported 3,904 animal-related crashes last year as seasonal migrations increased road risks.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Wildlife
Live Poll
Do you adjust your driving habits to account for peak wildlife migration seasons in your area?
The Colorado State Patrol recorded a consistent upward trend in wildlife-vehicle collisions between 2021 and 2025. Last year, state troopers investigated 3,904 such accidents, marking the highest annual total in the five-year period.
Why it matters
Rising collision numbers highlight an increased risk to vehicle safety and repair costs for families traveling on state roadways. This surge is driven by consistent seasonal migration patterns where elk and white-tailed deer move toward lower elevations.
Annual investigations increased from 2,296 in 2021 to 3,904 in 2025. Data indicates these crashes occur year-round, with peak risk falling between October and December.
The players
Colorado State Patrol
The state law enforcement agency responsible for investigating highway accidents and maintaining public safety on Colorado roadways.
The details
Animals frequently cross major routes like Interstate 70, Interstate 25, and U.S. highways during mating seasons and migration to lower elevations. These wildlife movements increase their mobility and lead to greater distraction, which puts them in the path of oncoming traffic. Obeying posted speed limits serves as the primary method for drivers to reduce both the likelihood and the severity of a collision.
Timeline
2021: 2,296 wildlife crashes were recorded.
2022: 3,187 wildlife crashes were recorded.
2023: 3,489 wildlife crashes were recorded.
2024: 3,787 wildlife crashes were recorded.
2025: 3,904 wildlife crashes were recorded.
The Home Front
The steady rise in wildlife-vehicle collisions reflects a growing challenge for regional transit safety on major corridors like U.S. 50 and U.S. 285. This trend underscores the importance of public awareness regarding migratory routes and local road-hazard reporting.
Drivers should remain particularly vigilant on high-risk routes such as U.S. 160, U.S. 40, and U.S. 550 during the peak October through December window. Consistently obeying posted speed limits is the most effective practical step to lower your household risk of a costly collision.
The takeaway
Wildlife-vehicle collisions remain a predictable seasonal risk in Colorado that requires increased driver awareness during the final months of the year. Plan extra travel time when driving through known migration corridors to ensure you can maintain safe, reduced speeds when visibility is limited.
Further reading
For more on managing encounters with local animals, visit Colorado Wildlife.
Live Poll
Do you adjust your driving habits to account for peak wildlife migration seasons in your area?
