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,

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.

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

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.

It's not talked about much, but one of the tragic realities of big snow hitting Colorado is an inevitable uptick in pronghorn deaths – but it's not the cold weather

The pronghorns were killed by vehicles, likely large trucks, as they sought shelter from snow in fields on rural roads and highways in Colorado.

More than 100 pronghorn have died on Eastern Colorado roadways as winter descends upon the region, according to state wildlife officials. Warning: This video contains graphic content. Viewer discretion is advised.