Colorado wildlife poses risks to drivers during elk rut season

Colorado faces significant risks from wildlife-related vehicle collisions, particularly during the fall. The state is home to an estimated 280,000 elk, representing one of the largest concentrated populations in the world. During the elk rut, which typically runs from early September through mid-October, bull elk can become highly aggressive.

In Estes Park, instances of wildlife aggression have been documented, including a bull elk smashing a vehicle window after a driver stopped to observe a herd. Data indicates that Colorado ranks 23rd for wildlife-related wrecks per one million residents, averaging 0.75 deaths annually. Between 2015 and 2024, the state recorded 43 fatalities resulting from wildlife-involved car crashes.