Wildlife officials ask Utah drivers to watch for deer as evenings get darker
November is typically the riskiest month for deer-vehicle collisions in Utah, and 3,738 roadkill animals were removed from state roads through Oct. 8.
Based on reporting by TownLift. Read the original story →
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is reminding drivers to watch for deer and other wildlife on the roads as fall migration overlaps with shorter days, TownLift reported. Daylight saving time ends Nov. 1, which moves evening commutes into darker hours while deer are moving for mating season and the annual migration. [1]
Big game animals move to lower elevations in fall and winter in search of food, and deer are most active around dawn and dusk. From Jan. 1 through Oct. 8, 3,738 roadkill animals were removed from Utah roads, according to the DWR, and November is typically the highest-risk month for deer-vehicle collisions in the state. [1]
The DWR and the Utah Department of Transportation use data from the Utah Roadkill Reporter app, launched in 2022, to find collision hot spots. "Using this information, we partner with the Utah Department of Transportation to ensure wildlife crossings are constructed strategically," said Daniel Olson, the DWR's impact analysis coordinator. [1]
Wild Aware Utah advises drivers to heed wildlife crossing signs, avoid distractions and use high beams when appropriate. If an animal enters the road, drivers should generally slow down and stay in their lane rather than swerve, and should not approach an injured animal. Collisions can be reported through the Roadkill Reporter app, but not while driving. [1]
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