Drivers Should Prepare for Increased Wildlife Collisions
As migration peaks and daylight saving time ends, Utah drivers should exercise extra caution on roadways this November.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Wildlife
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The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources warns that November is the month with the highest risk for deer-vehicle collisions as herds move to lower elevations. Drivers should expect lower visibility conditions starting November 1, 2026, when daylight saving time ends.
Why it matters
Wildlife migrate during the fall to find food and participate in mating season, which frequently brings them across busy traffic corridors. This creates significant safety risks for drivers and increases potential for vehicle damage as visibility decreases with shorter days.
From January 1 through October 8, 2026, 3,738 roadkill animals were removed from state roadways, contributing to a total of 19,441 reported incidents since 2022. The state has invested in infrastructure to mitigate these risks, including 60 constructed wildlife crossing structures.
The players
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
This state agency manages wildlife populations and promotes public safety by tracking collision data and implementing habitat-based crossing solutions.
The details
Deer movement patterns shift during fall as they seek winter feed and begin mating, often requiring them to cross roads during peak traffic hours. The Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative tracks these movements to determine strategic locations for building wildlife crossings and installing fencing. To date, more than 100 miles of fencing have been installed to guide animals toward designated overpasses and underpasses, helping to reduce the frequency of collisions on high-risk routes.
Timeline
2017: The Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative was founded.
2022: The Utah Roadkill Reporter app was released.
January 1 to October 8, 2026: 3,738 roadkill animals were removed from Utah roadways.
November 1, 2026: Daylight saving time ends.
The Home Front
The state continues to prioritize the integration of wildlife connectivity into transportation planning through the Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative. This ongoing effort serves to mitigate the intersection of expanding regional traffic and traditional seasonal animal migration corridors.
Drivers should remain vigilant during dawn and dusk hours, particularly in areas known for deer activity. You can report observed carcasses or high-traffic animal activity by utilizing the Utah Roadkill Reporter app to help authorities track data and plan future crossing structures.
The takeaway
Increased caution behind the wheel during the month of November is essential to navigating the heightened risk of wildlife collisions. Keep your eyes scanned for movement on road shoulders and consider using the Utah Roadkill Reporter app to help state officials track high-risk transit zones.
Further reading
For more on how state projects impact local ecosystems, visit Wildlife.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gephardt Daily.
Live Poll
Do you adjust your driving habits to account for seasonal wildlife migration in your area?
