The Number of Fatal Car Crashes With Wildlife in Colorado

Colorado is filled with wildlife. It isn't uncommon to see big animals when driving around the state. No matter if you are in the mountains, the country, or in a town, you can see elk, deer, moose, bears, raccoons, and many more. Sadly, sometimes vehicles hit these animals, and these wrecks can often be fatal. The bigger the animal, the more damage they do, and the more likely they are to lead to a casualty. Sometimes drivers aren't paying attention and hit these animals; sometimes the wildlife runs into the vehicle, and sometimes it is dark, and the driver doesn't even know wildlife is nearby. With so much wildlife and car crashes occurring in Colorado, many would assume the state sees more than most states. Does Colorado see more fatal crashes due to wildlife than other states, and which animals cause the most wrecks?

The States With the Most Fatal Wildlife Wrecks

medtide

When you think of a vehicle hitting a wild animal, you likely think of more mountainous states, and you wouldn't be wrong. According to a recent study, the state where you are most likely to hit an animal and lose your life in your vehicle is Montana, with Wyoming being second, and Alaska rounding out the top three. The state with the least to worry about is Hawaii, with Massachusetts being the second lowest, and Rhode Island rounding out the bottom three. These states are ranked based on the number of deaths per one million residents. If you look at the total number of deaths from animal-involved wrecks, Texas is number one with 210 deaths from 2015 to 2024, Pennsylvania is number two with 135 deaths, and Michigan is number three with 124 deaths.

Car Wrecks Involving Animals in Colorado

David De Lossy

Colorado is ranked 23rd when it comes to wrecks per one million residents. Colorado averages .75 deaths per year and, from 2015 to 2024, had 43 wildlife-related car fatalities. As fall begins and October is just getting started, this month is the most dangerous time of the year when it comes to wildlife and vehicle wrecks. Many animals are looking for food before winter; it is mating season for some animals, and the wildlife is preparing for colder weather right now. If driving in the mountains, it is best to be extra alert and to make sure to be off your phone and have no distractions when behind the wheel. According to a different study by carpro.com, the most commonly hit animal is deer, with number two being unknown, number three being rodents, number four being dogs, and raccoons rounding out the top five.