CHEYENNE — Drivers are involved in more than 7,600 wildlife collisions on Wyoming roadways annually. The majority of those crashes — 80-85% — are with mule deer. The crash risk with mule deer increases in the fall and spring when they 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. 

“Driver behavior can make a tremendous difference in the likelihood of a crash with wildlife,” said Jill Randall, Wyoming Game and Fish Department big game migration coordinator. 

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,” Randall said. “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.

If drivers collide with deer or other large wildlife on the road, they 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. Do not try to move a dead animal from the roadway because it can be extremely dangerous. 

“The numbers we have are really an underrepresentation of the number of collisions since most people only make a report if there is significant damage to the vehicle or the deer died on impact,” Randall said. 

Tips to help you and others be safe on the road:

• Be as aware as possible while driving.
• Use high beams to see more of the road.
• Scan across the road and right of ways frequently.
• Watch for eyeshine in the headlights.
• Ask passengers to help watch for wildlife.
• Know that wildlife is attracted to the road if salt is used as a deicer and during spring green up. 
• Don’t try to herd wildlife off the road with your vehicle. If there is a crowd, creep up slowly until they disperse. You can honk to encourage them. If they don’t budge, contact Game and Fish.