The Colorado Department of Transportation, Parks and Wildlife and State Patrol remind motorists to be alert because, “Wildlife are on the Move!”
“It’s a very significant occurrence – the migration of wildlife. We need to understand that while roads have been built for our convenience, they are sometimes paved in the middle of animal migration corridors,” said Mark Lawler, CDOT biologist.
“As snow begins to fall in the high country, the changing weather pushes wildlife to the foothills and lower elevations. The animals’ natural instinct sends them in search of food and water sources which means crossing our state’s roads and highways,” Lawler said.
Motorists should be aware that wildlife can cross roads without warning at most any time of day or night, but a majority of animal-vehicle collisions occur from dusk to dawn, when wildlife are more active and unfortunately more difficult to see. Over the past 10 years, the state has seen an average of 3,300 reported wildlife related collisions each year. Also in that 10-year period 2,661 crashes involved driver or passenger injuries. Thirty-three of the collisions resulted in fatalities.
CDOT has created a new educational video, “Wildlife on the Move,” which gives tips for preventing collisions and what to do if you experience a wildlife collision.
If a wildlife collision does occur, the video instructs drivers to, “brake, look, and steer.”
Braking helps you maintain control of the vehicle. Looking helps you be aware of your surroundings and vehicles. Steering to a position off the road ensures your safety.
To view the “Wildlife on the Move” video and for more information about wildlife visit: https://www.codot.gov/programs/environmental/wildlife.
