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5 States with the Most Animal Collisions

Plus Tips for How to Avoid Hitting a Deer

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By Susan Meyer
Updated January 26, 2026
Reviewed By Beth Swanson
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Susan Meyer

Senior Editorial Manager

Susan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr…

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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Beth Swanson

Insurance Analyst

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • Associate in Insurance (AINS)
  • Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
  • Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)
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  1. Where Animal Collisions Happen Most
  2. When Animal Collisions Are Most Likely
  3. Avoiding Animal Collisions
  4. What to Do
  5. Does Car Insurance Cover Animal Collisions?

Wildlife and Roads

Hitting a large animal like a deer can cause significant injury or damage to your car. And it happens more frequently than you might think.

In fact, there were an estimated 1.7 million auto insurance claims due to animal collisions last year in the U.S.[1] That means that, nationally, your chances of being involved in an animal collision are about 1 in 139. 

Of course, your risk will vary based on where you live. States with more remote roads and higher concentrations of wildlife are more likely to see a high risk of animal collisions.

Let’s look at some of the highest risk states for animal collisions and some tips for avoiding them.

5 States Where Animal Collisions Are Most Common

Animal collisions obviously occur in areas with higher animal populations. They also tend to occur more frequently in:

  • Rural and suburban areas near forests or open fields

  • Highways cutting through natural habitats

  • Roads near water sources, where animals often gather

Here are the states that have the highest rates of animal collisions each year.

2024 - 2025 Likelihood of an Animal Collision

Source: The Zebra

1. West Virginia

Chance of animal collision: 1 out of 40

West Virginia has led the pack for this particular statistic for the past decade.[2] A big part of this is because of its large deer population. Additionally, more than two-thirds of the state’s population lives in rural areas so a larger percent of total vehicle miles traveled is on rural roads.[3] West Virginia’s agriculture is also heavily geared toward livestock like beef cattle, which can occasionally get free and find their way onto roadways.[4]

2. Montana

Chance of animal collision: 1 in 53

Montana is the state with the second highest rate of animal collision claims. This is partly because it is one of states with the least population density. Montana is a vast state with long stretches between towns and many rural roadways shared with not only deer but other large mammals like elk, moose, bison and bears. According to the Montana Department of Transportation, 13% of total reported crashes in Montana are wildlife related.[5]

3. Wisconsin

Change of animal collision: 1 in 58

Your chance of hitting an animal and needing to file an insurance claim is only slightly less in Wisconsin. Like Montana, Wisconsin does have a population of larger mammals like elk and moose, but the larger deer population is responsible for more crashes. There are 15,000 to 19,000 deer crashes annually on Wisconsin roadways and dealing with deer carcasses on roadways is estimated to have cost $16 million in public spending over the last 25 years.[6]

4. Michigan

Chance of animal collision: 1 in 61

Wisconsin’s neighbor to the east has much the same reasons for high animal collision claims: a healthy deer population’s overlap with roadways. Around 20% of crashes each year in Michigan involve deer. The rate of deer-related crashes has been rising since 2014, but seemed to peak in 2022.[7]

5. Pennsylvania

Chance of animal collision: 1 in 62

Pennsylvania’s high animal collision claim rate is yet again attributable to a healthy white-tailed deer population. Pennsylvania actually had even higher rates in previous years. It was previously ranked third in the U.S. for animal collisions back in 2023. Last year, the state has taken strides to study how they can improve infrastructure to improve wildlife passage and keep deer and drivers safer.[8]

When Animal Collisions Are Most Likely

Animal collisions are a significant hazard for drivers, particularly in rural areas and regions with abundant wildlife. By understanding when and where these collisions are most likely to occur, drivers can take steps to stay safer on the road.

coyote road

Time of Day

Animal collisions are most common during dawn and dusk. Many species, including deer, are most active during these low-light periods. Visibility is reduced for drivers at these times, and animals are more likely to be moving near or across roadways.

Seasonal Peaks

  • Fall (September–November): Deer mating season, also known as the rut, peaks in the fall, leading to increased deer movement and higher collision risks.
  • Spring: As temperatures rise, some animals migrate to new feeding grounds or breeding areas.
  • Winter: Snow and ice can drive animals to roadsides in search of food or salt used on highways.

Tips for Avoiding Animal Collisions

If you live in a state with a higher than average rate for animal collisions or if you frequently drive through wooded areas, here are some tips to keep you and the wildlife safe.

1. Stay Alert in High-Risk Areas

Watch for animal crossing signs and slow down in these zones. Animals are more likely to appear near wooded areas or where fields meet the road.

2. Be Extra Cautious at Dawn and Dusk

Since visibility is lower and animal activity higher, reduce speed and keep a sharp eye on the road and its edges.

3. Use High Beams When Appropriate

If you’re driving on dark rural roads without oncoming traffic, use your high beams. This increases your ability to spot animals’ reflective eyes sooner.

4. Avoid Swerving

If an animal suddenly crosses your path, brake firmly, hold firmly on the steering wheel and stay in your lane if possible. Swerving can lead to losing control of your vehicle or hitting another car.

5. Watch for Groups

Deer and other herd animals rarely travel alone. If you see one, slow down and scan for more that may be nearby.

6. Keep Your Vehicle in Good Condition

Well-functioning brakes and tires are essential for stopping quickly in emergencies. Ensure headlights and fog lights are clean and bright to improve nighttime visibility.

elk road

What to Do If You Do Hit an Animal

Sometimes a crash is inevitable. Here’s what to do if you collide with a larger mammal and your car is damaged.

1. Don’t Slam on the Brakes 

Use controlled braking to slow down and let up on the brakes before making contact. This causes the front of the vehicle to rise slightly and can reduce the chances of the animal coming through the windshield.

2. Get Off the Road

After hitting the animal, pull off the roadway to access damage, turn on your emergency flashers and be very cautious if exiting your vehicle.

3. Don’t Touch a Wounded Animal

Wounded animals can be very dangerous. Don’t approach the animal or try to remove it from the roadway. 

4. Call the Police

Contact the police to report the accident and let the dispatcher know if the deer is blocking traffic or is injured.

5. Document the Scene

Take photos of the damage to your car and the location of the accident. This will be helpful later if you file an insurance claim.

6. Call Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible and provide them any photos and documentation you took. 

Does Car Insurance Cover Animal Collisions?

Larger mammals like deer and moose can cause serious damage to your vehicle and major injuries to the driver or passengers. 

If you hit a deer or other animal, you will need to have comprehensive coverage in order to file a claim. If you have regular collision coverage or liability only coverage, you will not be able to file a claim. Comprehensive coverage covers things not covered under collisions including weather damage, theft, vandalism and damage from animals.

Wrapping Up

Where you live and where you drive can have a significant impact on how likely you are to have a collision with an animal.

It's important to reduce speed and stay alert, especially when you're driving in forested areas, at dawn or dusk and during high deer seasons. 

And if you do unfortunately hit wildlife, make sure to take immediate steps to make sure everyone in your vehicle is safe, document the scene and notify law enforcement and your insurance company. 

Sources

  1. Animal Collisions. [State Farm Newsroom]

  2. West Virginia remains #1 in animal collisions. [WVVA]

  3. Rural Connections. [TRIP]

  4. Agriculture. [West Virginia Encyclopedia]

  5. Watch for Wildlife. [Montana Department of Transportation]

  6. Deer collisions have cost Wisconsin more than $16M since 2001. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

  7. Deer overabundance in Michigan means more deer-car collisions, habitat damage. [NPR]

  8. Pa. among worst for animal-vehicle collisions. New report outlines how to better protect wildlife. [Lehigh Valley Live]