Colorado Wildlife Crashes Increased Yearly Through 2025

State officials reported a steady rise in vehicle collisions involving wildlife over the past five years.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Wildlife

Screen-print poster illustration of a deer silhouette crossing a mountain road, representing Colorado wildlife collision trends. — The Colorado State Patrol reported that vehicle collisions involving wildlife rose to 3,904 total investigations in 2025, up from 2,296 in 2021. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you adjust your driving habits to account for peak wildlife migration seasons in your area?

The Colorado State Patrol documented a consistent annual increase in wildlife-vehicle collisions from 2021 through 2025. Data shows that these incidents grew from 2,296 crashes in 2021 to 3,904 total investigations by the end of 2025.

Why it matters

Increased animal movement during migration to lower elevations and peak mating seasons contributes to higher collision risks for motorists across the state. Understanding these patterns helps residents stay alert as animal activity spikes.

Official reports indicate 3,904 wildlife-vehicle collisions in 2025, a significant rise from the 2,296 incidents recorded in 2021. White-tailed deer and elk are the species most frequently struck by motorists on state roadways.

The players

Colorado State Patrol

This law enforcement agency is responsible for investigating traffic accidents and monitoring road safety throughout Colorado.

The details

Wildlife-vehicle collisions occur year-round, though the period from October through December marks the highest frequency of these events. Drivers are urged to obey posted speed limits, which remain the most effective way to reduce the likelihood and severity of a collision.

In 2021, the Colorado State Patrol investigated 2,296 wildlife crashes.
The state recorded 3,187 wildlife-vehicle collisions in 2022.
In 2023, investigators responded to 3,489 wildlife-related incidents.
The count of investigated crashes reached 3,787 during 2024.
By the end of 2025, officials recorded 3,904 total wildlife crashes.

Culture Shift

This trend aligns with the ongoing data collection from the Colorado State Patrol annual wildlife-vehicle collision tracking reports. The rising crash figures reflect a broader, documented shift in the interaction between expanding human road networks and seasonal animal migration patterns.

Motorists traveling on high-risk routes like I-70, I-25, and U.S. 160 should exercise extra caution during the peak October through December season. Drivers are encouraged to follow posted speed limits to minimize the risk of a dangerous wildlife encounter.

The takeaway

Drivers should remain vigilant for wildlife when traveling on major transit corridors during the fall months. Obeying posted speed limits remains the most critical step individuals can take to reduce the risk of collisions during peak animal activity.