(COLORADO) – After a challenging weekend for one community, troopers are issuing a warning about the increased risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions as shorter days and migration periods make animals more active on roads, especially at dawn and dusk.
Over this last weekend, November 14, 2025, through November 16, 2025, Colorado State Patrol troopers received a total of 17 wildlife-related calls for service in the 1A-Golden Troop area (Clear Creek County and Jefferson County). Here is a breakdown of the incidents we received each day:
- Friday, November 14, 2025: 2 calls for service
- 1 Injured deer
- 1 Vehicle versus deer
- Saturday, November 15, 2025: 10 calls for service
- 6 separate Vehicle(s) versus deer
- 2 Deer complaints
- 1 Injured deer
- 1 Vehicle versus Elk
- Sunday, November 16, 2025: 5 calls for service
- 2 Separate vehicle(s) versus deer
- 1 Injured deer
- 2 Deer complaints
November is the peak rutting season for many wildlife species, and it is also the peak month for wildlife-related crashes. In 2024, the Colorado State Patrol responded to 3,777 vehicle-versus-wildlife crashes, with November the top month at 530. The following tips can help a driver avoid these incidents and identify when any wildlife is close to the road, before a crash occurs:
- Scan roads and shoulders for movement/eye shine.
- Use your vehicle's high beams when it's safe and no oncoming vehicles are present to help identify wildlife in the roadway.
- Slow or stop for wildlife if safe, and turn on your hazard lights to warn other motorists.
- Don’t exceed the speed limit.
- Be aware of groups: If you see one, there may be others nearby.
While no one wants to harm an animal, causing a more serious crash with oncoming traffic or vehicles behind you can lead to serious human injury and/or death.
If you are involved in a crash with an animal, call 9-1-1 just as you would in any other emergency. In addition, if you witness wildlife in distress from possibly being struck on or near the side of the road, call *CSP for the proper resource to be notified and sent to the scene.
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the protection of the Governor and other dignitaries, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more. For additional information, visit us online at Colorado State Patrol or follow us on X, Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook.