Every year, thousands of drivers experience this nightmare, and in some states, it’s way more common than others. If you’re driving through these 10 states, keep your eyes peeled—because your chances of hitting an animal are off the charts.
1. West Virginia
If you’re driving in West Virginia, you better stay extra alert. This state has topped the rankings for most animal collisions per capita for years. With endless forests and twisting mountain roads, it’s a paradise for deer—and a disaster for drivers. Studies show that 1 in 38 drivers in the state will hit an animal this year.
2. Montana
Montana isn’t just home to stunning landscapes, it’s also home to way too many deer, elk, and moose wandering onto highways. The state’s wide-open roads and high-speed limits don’t help, making animal crashes even more dangerous. If you’re driving at dusk or dawn, be extra careful—that’s prime time for wildlife to bolt across the road.
3. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s rolling hills and dense woodlands make it a hot zone for deer-related accidents. Every year, there are tens of thousands of deer collisions, especially during the fall rut when bucks are too busy chasing mates to care about your car. Even in suburban areas, deer darting across highways is a daily occurrence.
4. South Dakota
South Dakota drivers don’t just have to worry about deer—they’ve got bison, pronghorn, and even wild turkeys causing chaos on the roads. If you’re near Custer State Park or Badlands National Park, keep an eye out—bison are massive, unpredictable, and surprisingly fast when they decide to move.
5. Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a prime hunting state—and it turns out, it’s also prime hunting grounds for your car bumper. During the fall, deer are everywhere, and if you’re driving near forests or farmlands, chances are one will test your reflexes. With over 16,000 reported deer crashes annually, Wisconsin drivers have to be constantly on guard.
6. Iowa
Iowa may be known for its corn, but it’s also known for a ridiculous number of deer-car crashes. Rural roads, limited lighting, and massive deer populations make for a dangerous combination. Plus, with farm animals sometimes escaping onto highways, it’s not just deer you have to watch out for—you might find yourself dodging cows, too.
7. Michigan
Michigan ranks near the top every year for deer-related crashes, and if you’ve ever driven through rural Michigan in the fall, you’ll understand why. Deer here have a special talent for jumping out at the absolute worst moment. The Upper Peninsula is especially risky, thanks to its dense forests and winding roads.
8. Missouri
With over 3,000 miles of highways cutting through forests and farmland, Missouri is prime territory for deer collisions. The Missouri Department of Transportation warns that November is the deadliest month, thanks to deer mating season. If you’re road-tripping through the Show-Me State, watch the roads—or you might get shown a very unfortunate insurance claim.
9. Minnesota
Minnesota isn’t just home to cold winters, it’s also home to wildlife-dense highways. Deer, moose, and even black bears have all been responsible for accidents here. With so many winding roads through wooded areas, drivers have to be extra cautious, especially when the first snow hits and deer start moving around even more.
10. North Carolina
North Carolina might not be the first state you think of when it comes to animal collisions, but it ranks surprisingly high. The mix of forests, farmlands, and expanding suburbs means that deer and other wildlife are constantly getting in the way of traffic. Even black bears have been spotted crossing roads, leaving drivers in some seriously close calls.
Why Are These States So Dangerous for Drivers?
It’s not just bad luck—there are real reasons why these states have so many animal collisions. Dense forests, rural highways, and high deer populations all increase the risk. The problem gets even worse during the fall mating season, when deer are more active, and during winter, when food sources are scarce, forcing animals onto roadways.
How to Avoid Becoming a Statistic
If you’re driving through any of these states, there are ways to lower your chances of a collision. Always stay alert at dawn and dusk, since that’s when wildlife is most active. Use high beams at night when possible, and if you see one deer, assume more are nearby. If an animal does jump in front of you, don’t swerve wildly—brake firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving can make things even worse, especially at high speeds.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe
Animal collisions aren’t just costly and frustrating—they can be deadly. If you’re driving through any of these top wildlife crash states, stay alert and take precautions. Whether it’s a deer in Michigan, a bison in South Dakota, or a black bear in North Carolina, the last thing you want is to end up on the wrong side of an unexpected wildlife encounter.
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