Deer are moving to lower elevations across the Wasatch Front, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) says November is the most dangerous month for vehicle-deer collisions in the state.

Makeda Hanson, the DWR's Migration Initiative coordinator, said the November peak coincides with mating season, fall migration and shorter daylight hours, as first reported by ABC4.

"Animals are crossing more roads during the migration, and male deer move around a lot more to find mates," Hanson said. "It also doesn't help that the daylight hours are shorter during this time of year, creating lower visibility for drivers."

Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 1, pushing sunset earlier and putting more evening commuters on the road in the dark. The DWR said deer are most active at dawn and dusk, which overlaps with peak commute hours, according to Gephardt Daily.

The warning applies across the Wasatch Front, which includes Draper. The DWR advised drivers to watch for deer near wooded, agricultural and wetland areas and near lakes and streams. The agency does not break out collision data by city.

By the numbers

Crews removed 3,738 roadkill animals from Utah roads between Jan. 1 and Oct. 8, according to the DWR. Since the state launched the Utah Roadkill Reporter app in 2022, residents and crews have reported 19,441 roadkill animals statewide. More than 60 wildlife crossing structures and hundreds of miles of fencing have been built across Utah to reduce collisions.

Daniel Olson, the DWR's Impact Analysis coordinator, said the agency partners with the Utah Department of Transportation to place wildlife crossings where migration corridors and high-collision areas overlap.

What to do on the road

The DWR and Wild Aware Utah offer these guidelines for drivers:

  • Stay alert at dawn and dusk.
  • Watch for wildlife crossing signs, which mark frequent collision areas.
  • Scan both sides of the road and watch for an animal's eyeshine.
  • Use high-beam headlights when possible.
  • Do not swerve. Slow down and stay in your lane.
  • If deer are standing in the road, honk and flash your lights. Do not get out of the car.
  • Do not throw trash from your vehicle. Food scraps draw animals to roadways.

If you hit an animal

Pull off the road and turn on hazard lights if your car is undriveable. Do not approach an injured animal. Call 911 or your local police department if you are hurt or the animal poses a safety risk.

Drivers can report collisions through the Utah Roadkill Reporter app, which collects GPS data to help the DWR identify future crossing locations. The app should not be used while driving.