The chances of encountering a fatal animal-related incident in the United States are remarkably slim.

According to an academic analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spanning the years 2008 to 2015, the average American faces a mere 1 in 1.6 million annual risk of succumbing to any form of interaction with animals.

No big shocker here, but deer are the main issue in Montana and the rest of the US.

Find Out Where We Rank In Montana👇

As human settlements encroach further into territories long inhabited by deer and other wildlife, these creatures increasingly find themselves in the path of oncoming vehicles, contributing to a staggering 1.9 million car accidents in the year leading up to June 2022.

Notably, accidents involving deer tend to peak between October and December, coinciding with deer mating season.

The greatest likelihood of a collision with a deer occurs during the early morning hours and at night when deer are most active and visibility on the roads is diminished.

These deer-vehicle accidents pose not only a safety hazard but also a financial burden, with repair costs exceeding $4,000, depending on the vehicle and the extent of the damage.

Studies On Animals VS Vehicles

In a comprehensive ranking compiled by Stacker, using State Farm's annual study on animal collisions, all 50 states and Washington D.C. were assessed based on the probability that a driver in each location would encounter an animal on the road.

State Farm's rankings factor in insurance claims submitted between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, as well as the number of licensed drivers in each state.

It's worth noting that actual odds may vary due to unreported animal collisions and the presence of unlicensed drivers.

State Farm's claims analysis also revealed that the 2021-2022 period exhibited improved road safety for both drivers and animals, with collision rates dropping by 5.5%.

Other Problem Animals

The odds of a driver colliding with any type of animal on the road stand at approximately 1 in 115.

The other four most common animal-related collision victims in the top five include rodents, dogs, raccoons, and unidentified animals.