Louisiana reports over 14,000 animal-related vehicle crashes

Louisiana experiences a high frequency of animal-related vehicle crashes due to its abundant wildlife and wilderness areas. Between 2020 and 2025, it is estimated that there were over 14,000 such incidents in the state.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, approximately 1.3% of all vehicle crashes in Louisiana involve an animal. The state averages 1.2 fatal animal-related crashes annually. While smaller animals typically pose less risk to humans, larger species can cause significant vehicle damage and lead to serious injury or death for drivers and passengers.

The likelihood of an encounter often depends on location; urban areas see more domestic animals like cats or dogs, while rural roads and bayou regions are more prone to encounters with wildlife such as beavers, bears, or nutria rats.