Wildlife is on the move as the winter migration season begins, so Colorado drivers need to pay extra attention.

Collisions between wildlife and vehicles increase this time of year, especially between dusk and dawn, as the days grow shorter and as animals move to lower elevations ahead of winter, according to the Colorado State Patrol.

“Whether it is elk in the high country or pronghorn on the planes, there is no area of our state that doesn’t have wildlife,” Colorado State Patrol Chief Col. Matthew Packard said in a news release. “So, it is up to all of us to remove distractions and watch out for these beautiful animals.”

Many species of Colorado wildlife are particularly vulnerable to being hit this time of year because it is their peak mating season, so the animals are more likely to be mobile, easily distracted and crossing roadways.

Last year, state troopers responded to 3,777 crashes involving wildlife, the release states. October, November and December are the most active months for wildlife-vehicle collisions, according to the State Patrol.

The most effective way to reduce the likelihood of a crash and the intensity of the damage if there is a crash is to drive the posted speed limit, the release states. If visibility is decreased, drivers should consider slowing down even more.

Drivers should also scan roads and shoulders for movement, use bright lights at night when safe, flash their headlights at oncoming cars to warn them of wildlife on the road and stop for wildlife on the road, if there is time and space to stop.

If drivers don’t have enough time to safely brake in a straight line for wildlife, the right choice is to drive through, the release states. If you’re in an outside lane with the white stripe to your right or a single lane, angle slightly to hit the butt of the animal, according to State Patrol. Never swerve or jerk the vehicle’s steering wheel.

Anyone who is involved in a crash with wildlife should call 911. If drivers witness wildlife in distress, they can call *CSP, or *277.