Animal Collision Repair in Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole is one of the most wildlife-rich areas in North America. Elk, mule deer, moose, pronghorn, and even bison regularly cross roads throughout Teton County and Grand Teton National Park. While this wildlife is part of what makes living here special, it also means vehicle-animal collisions are an everyday reality. The Wyoming Department of Transportation records hundreds of wildlife-vehicle strikes in Teton County every year, and many more go unreported.

A collision with a large animal can cause devastating damage to your vehicle. A mature elk can weigh 700-1,000 pounds. A bull moose can exceed 1,200 pounds. Even a mule deer at 150-300 pounds can cause thousands of dollars in damage at highway speeds. The impact often affects the hood, grille, bumper, fenders, windshield, headlights, radiator, and in severe cases, the frame and suspension.

Mike's Body Shop has repaired hundreds of animal collision vehicles over the years. We understand the specific patterns of damage these impacts cause and know how to restore your vehicle safely and completely. If your vehicle has been damaged in a wildlife collision, bring it to us for a thorough assessment and professional repair.

Front-End Damage

Most animal strikes happen head-on as the animal crosses the road. This means the front of your vehicle absorbs most of the impact. Common front-end damage includes crushed hoods, shattered grilles, bent bumper assemblies, cracked or destroyed headlights, damaged radiators and condensers, and bent core supports. If the animal was large enough, the impact can push the engine back and damage mechanical components as well.

Windshield and Roof Damage

In high-speed collisions with large animals like elk or moose, the animal often rolls up over the hood and into the windshield. This can shatter the windshield, dent or crush the roof, damage the A-pillars, and bend the windshield frame. Our sister brand Windshield Doctor handles glass replacement while we repair the body structure.

Side Damage

Animals that run into the side of a moving vehicle can dent doors, bend mirrors, crack glass, and damage quarter panels. Elk and moose standing in the road can be struck broadside, causing damage along the entire length of the vehicle.

Undercarriage Damage

Striking a deer at speed can sweep the animal beneath the vehicle, damaging the exhaust system, fuel lines, brake lines, and suspension components. We always inspect the undercarriage thoroughly after any animal collision.

Not all wildlife collisions are the same. The animal's height and weight change where the impact lands on your vehicle and how deep the damage runs. Understanding these patterns helps explain why a repair estimate for a deer strike looks very different from one for a moose.

Mule Deer (150-300 lbs)

A deer is short enough that most of the impact concentrates on the front of the vehicle at bumper and grille height. Typical damage: crushed bumper cover, broken grille, cracked headlights, a bent hood, and frequently a punctured radiator or condenser because the deer folds directly into the cooling stack. At highway speed the deer can also sweep under the car and tear at the undercarriage — exhaust, fuel lines, and suspension. Front airbags may deploy on a hard, square hit, but many deer strikes do not reach that threshold.

Elk (500-800 lbs)

An elk stands tall, so its mass sits above the bumper and drives into the hood, cooling system, and often the windshield. Expect a caved hood, destroyed radiator and fan assembly, bent core support, and cracked or shattered glass. The added weight makes bent frame rails and deployed front airbags far more likely than with a deer, and the repair almost always involves cooling-system and structural work rather than cosmetics alone.

Moose (800-1,200+ lbs)

A moose is the worst case. Its long legs put the body mass at windshield and roof height, so the legs take out the front end while the torso rolls up onto the glass, roof, and A-pillars. This pattern routinely triggers multiple airbag deployments (front and side-curtain), buckles roof and pillar structure that protects you in a rollover, and bends frame rails and the subframe. Cooling, steering, and mechanical systems are commonly destroyed. These are extensive structural repairs, and a moose collision totals the vehicle more often than any other wildlife strike. We cover this in depth on our moose collision repair page.

Whatever hit you, every animal collision at Mike's Body Shop gets a full structural and mechanical inspection — the visible damage is often only part of the story.

A wildlife collision is frightening and disorienting. Here is what you should do in the moments and hours afterward:

• Pull over safely — Move your vehicle to the shoulder or a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights. If it is dark, be cautious about exiting the vehicle — other animals may be nearby.
• Check for injuries — Ensure all passengers are uninjured. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
• Do not approach the animal — An injured elk, moose, or deer can be extremely dangerous. Large antlers and sharp hooves can cause serious injury. Keep your distance and report the animal to Wyoming Game and Fish at (307) 733-2321.
• Document the scene — Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, the location, road conditions, and the animal if it is visible. This documentation supports your insurance claim.
• File a police report — Contact the Teton County Sheriff or Wyoming Highway Patrol to file an accident report. Some insurance companies require a police report for animal collision claims.
• Contact your insurance — Animal collisions are covered under comprehensive (not collision) coverage. File the claim promptly.
• Assess drivability — If your radiator is leaking, headlights are destroyed, or the hood is blocking your view, do not drive the vehicle. Call for a tow to Mike's Body Shop.
• Call Mike's Body Shop — Reach us at (307) 733-6461. We will guide you through the next steps and schedule your repair.

For a step-by-step walkthrough of the first hour, including exactly what to photograph and who to call, see our full guide on what to do after hitting a deer in Jackson Hole.

Animal collisions are covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy, not the collision portion. This is an important distinction because comprehensive claims are generally treated as "no-fault" events — they are acts of nature that you could not avoid, similar to hail damage or a tree falling on your car.

Key points about animal collision insurance claims:

• Comprehensive coverage is required — liability-only policies do not cover animal strike damage.
• You will pay your comprehensive deductible, which is often lower than your collision deductible.
• Most insurers do not raise premiums for a single comprehensive claim, since it is not an at-fault accident.
• If the damage totals your vehicle (repair cost exceeds the vehicle's value), your insurer will pay the fair market value minus your deductible.

Mike's Body Shop handles animal collision insurance claims routinely. We document the damage thoroughly, submit detailed estimates with photos, and communicate directly with your adjuster to move the process along. We also help determine whether the vehicle is repairable or a total loss, and we advocate for fair valuation on your behalf.

One of the first questions after a wildlife collision is "how long will I be without my vehicle?" The honest answer depends on the animal, the damage, and — importantly in Jackson Hole — how quickly parts can reach the valley. Here is what to realistically expect:

• Minor deer damage (bumper, grille, one headlight): Often 1-2 weeks once parts arrive. If the cooling system and structure are intact, these are mostly cosmetic repairs.
• Moderate damage (radiator, hood, fender, multiple lights): Typically 2-4 weeks. Cooling-system parts and painted panels drive the timeline, and paint work adds cure and blend time.
• Severe elk or moose damage (frame, airbags, roof, glass): Commonly 4-8 weeks or more. Structural straightening, airbag and safety-system replacement, windshield replacement, and multi-panel paint all stack up, and hidden damage often surfaces during teardown.

Jackson's location adds a wrinkle most valley drivers already know: we are not next to a major parts distribution hub. Common parts for popular models like Subarus, Toyotas, and Fords move quickly, but OEM parts for European, luxury, and less common vehicles can take extra days to reach us. We order parts as early as possible — often before teardown is fully complete — to keep your repair moving. Because we also coordinate mechanical work through our sister shop The Garage Jackson Hole and glass through Windshield Doctor, you are not chasing three separate schedules across town. We give you a realistic timeline with your estimate and keep you updated as parts arrive and work progresses.

Certain roads and corridors in the Jackson Hole area have significantly higher rates of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Being aware of these hotspots can help you drive more cautiously:

• Highway 89/191 through Grand Teton National Park — Elk, bison, moose, and deer are frequently on or near the highway, especially near Moose Junction, Moran Junction, and the Elk Ranch Flats area.
• Highway 22 (Wilson to Jackson) — The flats west of Jackson along the Snake River corridor are prime moose habitat. Moose crossings are common at dawn and dusk.
• Broadway/Cache Street corridor — Even within the town of Jackson, elk and deer wander through residential areas and cross main roads, particularly during spring and fall migration.
• Teton Pass (Highway 22 west of Wilson) — Deer and elk cross the pass road, and reduced visibility on curves adds to the danger.
• Highway 26/89 south of Jackson — The route toward Hoback Junction follows the Snake River and passes through prime deer and elk habitat.

Drive cautiously in these areas, especially between dusk and dawn when animals are most active. Reduce speed, watch for animal crossing signs, and scan the road shoulders. If you see one animal, expect more — deer and elk travel in groups.