You never know where and when they will pop up on the road.

Driving Accidents in Montana

They happen all the time.

Montana might have wide open roads, but some accidents occur constantly.

You would think most of the car accidents in Montana are because of drunk driving or ice/snow conditions, but there is another factor you have to deal with year-round.

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Wildlife.

It happens more often than you know.

Wildlife Crossing The Roads in Montana

One of the best parts about Montana is how wildlife is everywhere.

You could be camping, hiking, or enjoying a walk around your neighborhood, and there might be wildlife enjoying a stroll.

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Some wildlife is more dangerous than others, like bears or wolves, but most animals are curious or skittish.

Wildlife crosses Montana's roads daily.

Some do it during the day, but most try to cross at night.

Deer tries to do this all the time.

These animals love crossing the roads at the worst times and stop when they see the high beams of an approaching car.

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Why are we bringing up deer and car accidents?

It appears car accidents involving deer are incredibly likely in Montana.

Montana is #2 In the Nation For Deer Related Car Accidents

Forbes reports that between October and December is the likeliest time you would hit a deer while driving.

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How likely is it?

Montana is ranked number two in the nation for your odds of hitting a deer.

You have a 1 in 54 odds to hit a deer during these months.

Only West Virginia has a higher likelihood.

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You might think it's uncommon, but my friend side-checked a deer while driving to Arizona a few weeks ago.

His truck came out unscathed, but that's usually not the case for most.

If you are driving this winter, keep an eye out for deer. They pop out of nowhere.

9 Ways To Avoid Hitting A Deer In Montana

State Farm Insurance came out with a list of states with the worst odds of hitting an animal, and Montana came in 2nd. There is a 1 in 44 chance, you will hit an animal while living and driving in Montana. The most common months for this to happen are October, November, and December. If you are traveling through the surrounding states, your odds of hitting a deer don't really get any better. North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Idaho are all considered "high risk" or "medium risk" for the odds of hitting an animal.

Here are State Farm Insurance's 9 ways to help avoid hitting a deer.

Gallery Credit: Megan Shaul

Ranking 50 United States by Deer Population

The United States of America is home to one of the world's most impressive, and varied, deer herds. Using data gathered from each state by A-Z-Animals.com, let's count down to the state with the largest population of deer.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow