Attention Colorado Drivers: It's Mating Season For Elk & Moose

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is warning drivers and hikers that mating season for big wildlife like elk and moose could cause problems on roads and trails, reports FOX31.

Mating season for elk and moose, known as the "rut," is from late September through mid-October, according to CPW. During the rut, animals are more active and likely to be more aggressive near trials and less aware while crossing roadways.

According to wildlife officials, peak times for crashes with wildlife are at dawn and dusk.

According to FOX31, areas with the highest number of crashes include:

• Near the South Gap project
• The 285 corridor
• I-70 near Floyd Hill

“Even highways that are two lanes traffic and have a lot of vegetation along the roadways, those are ones to pay attention to,” CPW Northeast Deputy Regional Manager Shannon Schaller told FOX31.

CPW is also reminding hikers to keep dogs on a leash and to give wildlife they may see plenty of space.

“The animals tend to be more focused on the job at hand, they tend to be less tolerant of people, so yes, they would be more aggressive if they felt threatened,” Schaller said.