Information courtesy of the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Douglas County
Changing your driving habits with your clocks during daylight saving time can help prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions. Wildlife experts advise drivers that wildlife is on the move so be aware, drive with caution, and slow down at night.
This Sunday, Nov. 6, marks the end of daylight saving time in Colorado. This means drivers will set their clocks back an hour, see dusk earlier, and witness more wild animals migrating to their wintering habitats during rush-hour traffic on highways.
As the sunlight fades during high-volume commutes, Colorado Parks and Wildlife asks drivers to stay alert and share roads with wildlife. Autumn is the peak seasonal mating and migration time for many species, so drivers should watch for wildlife as they begin to experience darker commutes.
The Colorado Department of Transportation also advises motorists to stay vigilant, drive with caution and slow down, as winter storms often push wildlife from the high country into lower elevations. Drivers should be aware of animals in town, on county roads and on highways.
Mitigation Projects in Douglas County
To decrease the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions in Colorado, CDOT has collaborated with CPW and local entities on several projects. In Douglas County, two projects have included new wildlife fencing.
The I-25 Castle Rock to Lone Tree wildlife fencing project is about 75% complete and is expected to wrap up later in November. Partners on this project include CDOT, CPW, City of Castle Pines, Douglas County, and the Town of Castle Rock.
The I-25 South Gap project included four wildlife crossings and more than 30 miles of deer fencing. Partners on this project included CDOT, Douglas County, El Paso County and the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority.
CPW and CDOT actively monitor wildlife data statewide to identify highway mitigation projects to protect our wildlife and keep Colorado motorists safe. For more on their statewide efforts, read their full news release.