Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers are warning motorists on Colorado Highway 13 south of Meeker to be on the lookout for large numbers of elk this time of year.
According to a news release from the department, many elk are traveling this time of year with young calves, and cross highways cautiously due to the unfamiliarity of their surroundings — potentially creating a traffic hazard.
The department urges drivers to especially careful while on a five or six mile stretch of road around mile marker 26.
The area is called the largest deer and elk migration route in America.
“I recently witnessed a large semi come to a complete stop on the highway to watch the elk,” said Area Wildlife Manager Bill de Vergie in the release.
“If this continues, it is only a matter of time before we have a serious accident. We are taking steps to reduce the danger but we need the public’s help.”
Parks and Wildlife officers are working with the Colorado Department of Transportation to possibly create new openings in fencing along the highway to allow for more efficient movement by herds across the roadway.
Wildlife officers will ask local landowners for assistance and cooperation with long-term solutions that make it easier and safer for wildlife to cross.
