The Colorado State Patrol reminded drivers to watch for wildlife after two people were killed in fatal crashes earlier this month.

On July 11, a motorist traveling westbound on C-470 died after colliding with a moose around 11:30 p.m., the state agency said in a news release on Thursday.

The crash happened between University Boulevard and Quebec.

In addition to the driver killed, three other vehicles also hit the large animal.

Another fatal crash occurred on July 20, at 5:53 a.m., when a motorist traveling eastbound on C-470 near Kipling Parkway swerved to avoid a deer.

The vehicle went off the road and rolled, fatally injuring the driver.

Last year, animal-involved crashes were the third most common factor among all crash types, state authorities said.

In those crashes, 96% caused property damage only to the motorist. The wildlife often did not survive.

So far this year, troopers have already responded to 1,600 animal-involved crashes from Jan. 1 to July 17, 2025, according to Colorado State Patrol crash data. 

The majority of the crashes this year caused property damage, while 63 led to injuries, along with the two fatalities the state agency noted.

In June, the state agency launched an education and enforcement campaign called “Give Me a ‘Brake” aimed to help reduce wildlife–vehicle collisions.

Troopers said they want drivers to be aware that there is no “off season” for wildlife in Colorado.

“Drivers in the mountain communities know to expect wildlife, but these animals can show up in more unexpected locations everywhere in our state,” said Col. Matthew Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, in the news release. “Two of the most tragic crashes this year happened on C-470.”

Troopers want to encourage drivers to keep speeds down and learn what to do when they spot wildlife:

• Scan roads, and shoulders, for movement — look for eye shine.

• Use bright lights at night when safe and flash lights at oncoming cars to warn of wildlife on the road.

• Do not honk at wildlife in or near the road.

• Brake if possible. Then use hazard lights until the animal moves out of the way.

• If stopping safely is not possible, drivers should not swerve — drive straight through. They should also try to hit the animal from the side, rather than from the front.

• Don’t exceed the speed limit. Speed increases damage and injury in the event of a crash.

If a driver is involved in a crash with an animal, Colorado State Patrol wants the motorist to call 911. Those who witnesses wildlife in distress from a potential crash on or near the road can call the State Patrol at 303-239-4500.