Autumn is here, which means it is time to rake the leaves, set the clocks back and maybe start eyeing some winter tires.

While we are busy making adjustments as winter approaches, Colorado’s wildlife are making some adjustments as well. Colorado Parks and Wildlife would like to remind everyone that this time of the year can bring unfortunate collisions with vehicles and wildlife as elk and deer begin to move from higher elevations to low lying valleys.

“November is a dangerous month for motorists and wildlife,” John Koshak, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Watchable Wildlife Coordinator, said in a statement. “Commuters will be driving at dusk when visibility is poor and when wildlife is most active.”

The month of November is also the peak of mating season, so wildlife will not only be moving about but they will also be more easily distracted.

Koshak warns that deer and elk will not be traveling alone, and will be moving in herds.

“If you see one animal on the road, generally there’s another one coming,” Koshak said.

Highway 93 made the list as one of the “high risk” areas, with a total of 49 animal-vehicle crashes through 2011 to 2012.

“Highway 93 makes the list because of its close proximity to the foothills as well as the large amount of open space and winter range found directly adjacent to the highway,” Randy Hampton, public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife said. “This means that wildlife is present in large numbers along Highway 93 during this time of year.”

Motorist can reduce their risk of an accident by taking a few precautions:

Slow down

Stay alert while driving at dusk and dawn, this is the time when wildlife are most active and crossing roadways

Look ahead and watch for any movement along roadsides, and be prepared for more than one animal.

Obey traffic and wildlife warning signs.