Utahns will gain an extra hour of sleep on November 1 when daylight saving time ends, according to a report published October 22. This time change means many people will have evening commutes during lower visibility hours in the months ahead, which can increase vehicle and wildlife collisions.
During the fall and winter months, there is an increase in wildlife along roadways as big game animals migrate to lower elevations to find feed. While deer migration typically occurs in April and May, it also happens in October and November. Makeda Hanson, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Migration Initiative Coordinator, stated that November is the time of year with the highest risk of hitting deer in Utah. This risk coincides with mating season and annual deer migration, during which animals cross more roads and male deer move more frequently to find mates. Shorter daylight hours during this period further reduce visibility for drivers.
The Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative was founded in 2017 to study the movement patterns of various wildlife and fish species in the state. Most data is gathered from animals wearing GPS tracking devices or fish with implanted transmitters. This information helps managers improve habitats, increase connectivity, and reduce the impacts of development and transportation on wildlife. To assist with these efforts, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Utah Department of Transportation released the Utah Roadkill Reporter app in 2022. This free app uses GPS technology to collect data on animal carcasses involved in collisions, including reported carcasses, carcasses that have been picked up, and pick-up routes completed by contractors.
Data from the app helps officials determine where to strategically construct wildlife crossings, particularly in migration corridors or areas with frequent collision rates. From January 1 to October 8, 3,738 roadkill animals were removed from Utah roadways. Since the app launched in 2222, 19,441 roadkill animals have been reported. To date, over 60 wildlife crossing structures and hundreds of miles of fencing have been constructed throughout Utah to help reduce collisions.
If a driver hits an animal, officials recommend pulling off the road and using hazard lights if the vehicle is undriveable. Drivers should not approach injured animals. If a person is injured or if an animal poses a threat to public safety in the roadway, they should call 911 or contact local police. Drivers can also submit a report through the Utah Roadkill Reporter app by including the species, a GPS location, and a photo, though they should avoid using the app while driving or getting out of their vehicle near busy roads.
