DWR warns drivers to watch for deers during darker months

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Utah Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is warning the public to stay aware and watch for deer in the dark.

Daylight Savings Time ends on November 2nd, which means that Utahns will be getting an extra hour of sleep going forward. But it will also be getting darker earlier in the day, when many are on their evening commutes.

According to the DWR, the fall and winter months are also peak migration months for big game animals. Deer typically migrate in April and May and in October and November.

Courtesy: Division of Wildlife Resources

“The peak time to hit deer in Utah is during November,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Migration Initiative Coordinator Makeda Hanson said. “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. It also doesn’t help that the daylight hours are shorter during this time of year, creating lower visibility for drivers.”

Reportedly, from January 1 to October 24, 2025, crews removed 4,606 roadkill animals from roadways in Utah. Low-light conditions and increased wildlife activity means that there will likely be an increase in vehicle and wildlife collisions in the next few months.

How to avoid Wildlife Collisions

DWR provided the following tips for drivers to remain safe and avoid collisions with wildlife.

• Be especially alert at dawn and dusk.
• Heed wildlife crossing signs. These signs are usually placed in areas known to have a high volume of wildlife/vehicle collisions.
• Be alert on roadways near wooded, agricultural and wetland areas and also near lakes and streams.
• Scan both sides of the road as you drive. Invite passengers to help watch for wildlife.
• Do not drive distracted. Put away food, phones and other distractions.
• When possible, use high-beam headlights to better illuminate the road.
• Look for an animal’s eyeshine, which can be seen from a distance. Slow down once you have spotted an animal near the roadside.
• Some animals travel in groups, so be sure to watch for additional animals if you see one.
• Do not throw trash out of your vehicle. Not only are there penalties for littering on a highway, but trash and food scraps can also draw animals to roadways.

If you encounter wildlife

According to DWR, the best thing to do if you see wildlife on a roadway is to stay in your lane or slow down. They say you should not swerve for deer or small animals, as you may hit other drivers or lose control of your vehicle.

If animals are standing in the road, you should stay in your vehicle and honk or flash your lights. Do not attempt to drive through them or get out and chase them away. Once the animals have crossed the roadway, drive slowly and stay aware of them.

If you hit an animal

DWR also provided tips on what to do if you hit an animal:

• Pull off the road and use your hazard lights if your car is undriveable.
• Do not try to approach an injured animal.
• Call 911 or contact your local police department if you were injured or if the animal is in the roadway and could pose a threat to public safety.

DWR also says that you can submit a report through the Utah Roadkill Reporter app once you are out of the roadway and in a safe area.

“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,” Hanson said. “The data collected through the app also benefits the Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative and its efforts to learn more about the annual migration patterns of different animal species in Utah.”