Data released from State Farm pegs the odds of U.S. drivers hitting an animal at 1 in 128 this year, down slightly from 1 in 127 last year.
As the largest insurer of cars in the U.S., State Farm estimates over 1.8 million auto insurance claims involving animal collisions were filed across the industry from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
Deer once again led as the top animal struck, followed by rodents*, dogs, raccoons and coyotes.
The most dangerous months for animal collisions are, in order, November, October and December.
A paved, rural road with little traffic and low light is a common scenario to hit wildlife. Results from a State Farm Survey indicate between 30% and 50% of drivers had accidents during those conditions. Additionally, just one risky driving behavior, such as speeding or using your phone, increase the chance of an animal collision by 23%.
West Virginia remains the #1 riskiest state with odds at 1 in 40. West Virginia has held that spot for more than a decade.
Montana is next with (1 in 54), followed by Michigan (1 in 59), Pennsylvania (1 in 61) and Wisconsin (1 in 63).
Pennsylvania had the highest number of claims out of all the states, with more than 150,000 claims. Michigan is second in terms of highest claims counts with approximately 131,000. It is followed by North Carolina (98,000), Texas (92,500) and Ohio (82,500).