As daylight saving time ends this Sunday, Colorado drivers are being reminded to watch for wildlife on the roads. The earlier sunsets coincide with animals moving to lower elevations for the winter, increasing the chance of encounters during the evening commute.

Wildlife moves during peak traffic

Bridget ORourke, statewide public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, said clocks turn back an hour Sunday, which means it will get darker earlier. She said wildlife are moving to their winter homes during the busiest morning and evening traffic periods.

Wildlife travel along roads for a variety of reasons, but mainly theyre looking for food, water or shelter, ORourke said. Theyre trying to get away from the colder temperatures at higher elevations.

Wildlife-related crashes

October through December are among the busiest months for wildlife-related crashes in Colorado. Colorado State Patrol responded to 3,811 crashes involving wildlife last year.

Record bear activity

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reporting record-high bear activity across the state this year.

In Colorado this year, we have seen a record high number of bear incidents and activity, ORourke said. And so bears are going to be walking along roads during dawn and dusk. And their goal is to just fatten up and eat as much as they possibly can before winter. So its safe to say that Coloradans will see more bears along our roadways this year.

What drivers should do

Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommends slowing down in wildlife crossing areas, scanning roadsides for movement and giving animals time to cross. Drivers should also remember that where there is one animal, there may be more nearby.

If you see wildlife along the road to slow down, stay alert. If you see one animal, youre likely to see more along the roadway, ORourke said. And then also to have a little bit more patience to give them time to cross the road.

Seeing wildlife can be really exciting, but its really important that safety is the priority, ORourke said. So that should be the priority for yourself, other drivers, and the animal.

If a collision happens, drivers should contact Colorado State Patrol for assistance.

Wildlife crossings and a new optional fee

ORourke said wildlife crossings, overpasses and underpasses in the state are another part of watching for wildlife on roads.

Colorado is actually a leader for being mindful of wildlife migration patterns as we build new roads, ORourke said. Coming in January of 2027, Coloradans are going to see an optional $5 fee on their vehicle registrations, where if you want to pay into wildlife crossing projects, you can.

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After repurposing the old Ivywild Elementary on the southwest side of Colorado Springs just over a decade ago, Bristol Brewing has taken over the rest of the building this month with a plan to expand community connection in the area.

The building, once a hub of the Ivywild community as a school, now houses a brewery, pub, and eating areas, along with some retail and space to gather.

"The idea of being a Colorado brand and even more so being a Southern Colorado brand has always been really important to us," owner Mike Bristol said.

Bristol is one of the partners who had a vision for the building.

Bristol Brewing occupies the north end. Now his partners are focusing on other ventures, and a month ago he took over the rest of the building with a business plan that goes beyond beer.

"There's no reason to have it sit empty from 7 a.m. to 11, you know, let's, let's make this a vibrant thing all day long," Bristol said.

The evolution includes what's called the Morning Program. The space welcomes socializing and business meetings, and there's strong Wi-Fi for those who need a change from working at home.

"I mean remote workers like to get out and be somewhere," Bristol said.

Evening brews come cold from the tap, while morning brews are hot and pair with pastries or breakfast. Both maintain the Colorado community connection at the heart of the business.

"Layering in the, the community aspect of it and, and being able to, to do something with this incredible building," Bristol said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.___

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Tonight's Forecast:

A dense fog advisory is active tonight starting at 10 p.m. on Thursday and into Friday morning until 10 a.m. Lows are expected to be in the 30s for the high country and 40s closer to I-25 and the plains. A bit of cloud cover will stick around overnight too.

Colorado Springs forecast: Low: 40; High: 64;

Friday will remain above seasonal averages with highs in the 60s for most. A little more cloud cover is expected by Friday afternoon. Saturday will be great with mild highs and dry time. The trick-or-treating forecast stays nice and dry too.

Pueblo forecast: Low: 45; High: 68;

A similar trend to what we've been seeing all week is expected for Friday and Halloween. Dry time, sunshine and highs in the 60s are expected over the next few days. Some more clouds are expected for the next few days too.

Canon City forecast: Low: 44; High: 67;

60s with more dry time is expected for Friday and Saturday in Fremont county. The Halloween holiday will stay above averages with a nice trick-or-treating forecast too. Then, changes arrive into Sunday and Monday.

Woodland Park forecast: Low: 39; High: 57;

Woodland Park will be slightly cooler in the 50s for the next two days. Sunday and Monday will be cooler with more rain and snow chances returning to the forecast.

Tri-Lakes forecast: Low: 40; High: 64;

The next few days stay mild with dry time. Sunday and Monday will bring in much cooler temperatures with even a few snowflakes back in the forecast for Sunday night and Monday morning when temperatures drop.

Plains forecast: Low: 50; High: 68;

The plains will be in the upper 60s and low 70s for some over the next few days. Dry time continues at least until Sunday when shower chances arrive.

Walsenburg and Trinidad forecast: Low: 47; High: 64;

60s are expected over the next few days as we wrap up the month of October. More chances for rain move into the area Sunday afternoon and into Monday.

Mountains forecast: Low: 35; High: 52;

Cooler high country temperatures are expected in the 40s and 50s for afternoon highs to wrap up the month. By Sunday and Monday central and southern mountain snow is expected... total to come soon.

Extended outlook forecast:

After the next few days of mild and dry weather, expect changes to arrive into Sunday and early next week. More atmospheric moisture shifts in for some rain around the Pikes Peak Region, Pueblo and plains Sunday afternoon. The mountains will see snow and Teller county and the gap may see some snow flakes too. Monday brings in a similar story with below average temperatures and more rain and snow. The high country and ski resorts will likely see several inches of snow. The middle of the week will dry out and slightly warm up.

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Colorado's Department of Transportation (CDOT), AAA Colorado, and Uber are coming together to offer a $10 statewide credit to riders for Halloween weekend.

CDOT, Colorado State Patrol (CSP), and other Colorado law enforcement agencies are conducting Halloween enforcement and will be patrolling Colorado.

They are offering an Uber code RRRTJMYYVVH for $10 off your ride home. You can also click here.

CDOT is also recommending the following alternatives:

Designate a sober driver Call a sober friend Use ride or transit services Use ride-hailing services

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