It's an unfortunate fact of life in Wyoming; thousands of animals are hit by motorists in the Cowboy State every year. A new map compiled by The Nature Conservancy and WYDOT details the most dangerous roads in the state for accidents involving wildlife.

Many of the worst areas for animal collisions are in northwest Wyoming. Highway 14 north of Cody to the Montana border has one of the longest wildlife corridors in the state. Highway 120 between Cody and Meeteetse is another hot spot for accidents.

Highway 20 has several treacherous stretches, averaging over five wildlife collisions per mile near Lander, Riverton, Thermopolis, and Worland. Highway 26 between Lander and Dubois is another dangerous area, along with State Highway 191 between Rock Springs and Pinedale and Highway 189 south of Jackson.

Drivers on Interstate 25 have a higher risk of running into an animal around Buffalo, along with areas of moderate risk between Wheatland and Douglas, Douglas and Casper, and north of Kaycee.

After I-25 becomes Interstate 90, the odds of colliding with wildlife increase between Buffalo and Sheridan. In the southwestern corner of the state, Highway 89 north of Evanston to the Utah line has the highest rate of animal-related accidents in Wyoming, according to Buckrail.

While animals can appear in the road anywhere in Wyoming, the safest area for drivers is the southeastern corner of the state.

The Nature Conservancy, WYDOT
The Nature Conservancy, WYDOT
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