A significant number of pronghorns have died on eastern Colorado roadways as winter descends upon the region, according to state wildlife officials.

That included 53 being killed on Nov. 12 along U.S. Highway 36 east of Byers, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Deep, crusty snow piled up on fields in eastern Colorado after last week’s snowstorm is driving herds of pronghorn onto roads, and dozens of them are dying, state wildlife officials said. Pronghorn are being hit by drivers in droves as they seek refuge from snow-covered fields,

While the reason for the creatures’ deaths may seem obvious, the reasons behind it are less apparent than you might think.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the herd likely congregated on the highway because of drifting snow on the ground and in the fields.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking drivers to watch out after over 100 pronghorns were found dead on roads across eastern Colorado.

CPW said more than 100 pronghorn – including 52 on US 36 near Byers – have been killed on Eastern Plains roadways since a snowy stretch dumped as much as 40 inches in some spots.