Norway reports high rates of wildlife-related vehicle collisions

Norway is seeing a significant rise in wildlife-related traffic accidents as shorter days and darker evenings increase animal activity near roads. Data from Statistics Norway (SSB) indicates that during the 2025-2026 hunting year, a total of 8,527 moose, deer, roe deer, and wild reindeer were struck by vehicles, averaging at least 23 incidents per day.

Innlandet and Trøndelag report the highest numbers of collisions, with 1,660 and 1,403 incidents respectively. Other high-risk areas include Akershus and Østfold.

Roger Ytre-Hauge, a specialist at Frende Forsikring, warns drivers to remain vigilant and respect wildlife signage, which is placed based on local knowledge of animal habitats. He advises motorists to scan the roadsides rather than just the pavement, use high beams during twilight, and avoid relaxing speed immediately after a single animal crosses, as animals often travel in groups.