As daylight saving time ends, drivers in Utah are being reminded to stay vigilant for deer during peak migration seasons and when commutes become darker. Gaining an extra hour of sleep on Nov. 2 might be a minor consolation when considering the potential increase in vehicle/wildlife collisions.
According to Utah Wildlife News, migration periods for deer, which happen in April, May, October, and November, overlap with significant spikes in related car accidents. These times coincide with mating season and the animals' search for food at lower elevations. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Migration Initiative Coordinator Makeda Hanson was reported saying, "The peak time to hit deer in Utah is during November." She added, "It coincides with mating season and the annual migration of deer. Animals are crossing more roads during the migration, and male deer move around a lot more to find mates," as per Utah Wildlife News.
Efforts to reduce these collisions have been underway, with the installation of fences and wildlife bridges along Utah highways. The Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative, initiated in 2017, has been instrumental in tracking migration patterns and assisting with the strategic placement of wildlife crossings in collaboration with the Utah Department of Transportation. These measures aim to better understand movement patterns and help mitigate the impact of development and transportation on wildlife.
Wild Aware Utah provides simple advice for drivers to reduce the chance of hitting an animal: be alert at dawn and dusk, heed wildlife crossing signs, and use high-beam headlights when possible. Deer, known to be more active during early morning and evening hours, align dangerously with heavier traffic volumes. Makeda Hanson told Utah Wildlife News, "When you submit a report of hitting an animal through the Utah Roadkill Reporter app, it helps provide information about potential areas for wildlife crossings."
