Snow plow startles elk off a road.
Snow plow startles elk off a road.

In the 1900s, the entire North American elk population had been reduced to around 40,000 elk. With the dedication of Colorado Parks and Wildlife and conservation partners, the elk population saw a rebuild. In 1916, 50 elk were brought into the state from Wyoming to re-establish the dwindling herds. Today, Colorado is home to over 280,000 elk, the largest population of the animals in the world.

They range throughout the mountainous portions of the state, sometimes moving in herds of several hundred throughout meadows and alpine tundra. In the winters they replace their summer coat with a wooly coat that’s five times warmer, allowing them to survive through the cold weather. Though their legs are well adapted to moving through deep snow, they’ll build large herds in areas where snow is less deep. Bachelor groups form with several bull elk, like the group in the video below.

As the weather gets colder and animals go on the move, particularly during the hours between dusk and dawn, an increase in wildlife-vehicle collisions is often noted. It’s always important to be alert to the possibility of wildlife on the road, so slow down, be aware, and drive with caution. Read more on wildlife collisions in Colorado below:

Colorado Parks & Wildlife Tips To Avoid Wildlife Collisions:

  • Slow Down! Driving more slowly increases reaction time and reduces the chance of a collision.
  • Stay Alert Stay alert while driving at dusk and dawn. This is when many of Colorado’s wildlife are the most active and are likely to be crossing roadways.
  • Scan Ahead Scan ahead and watch for movement along roadsides. When driving at night, watch for shining eyes in headlights. Always be prepared for more than one animal.
  • Traffic and Wildlife Signs Obey traffic signs and watch for wildlife warning signs.

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