Robert Belley credits a set of metal bars on his truck with saving his life after a collision with a moose near Lanigan in 2024. Despite the physical and financial hardships he has faced since the accident, Belley remains grateful for surviving the ordeal. Wildlife collisions, particularly involving deer and moose, are a significant concern in Saskatchewan, with about 8,800 such incidents reported annually by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI).
SGI emphasizes the importance of caution during the fall season when wildlife is more active on roads. Troy Corbett, SGI’s director of traffic safety community engagement, advises drivers to be vigilant, slow down, and use high beams when necessary to reduce the risk of collisions. In the unfortunate event of a collision, staying calm, slowing down, and steering away from the animal are recommended.
Bonnie Dell, the executive director of the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan, stresses the value of every individual animal involved in collisions. Her organization often receives calls regarding deer and coyote collisions, highlighting the emotional toll on both drivers and the rescued animals. Dell encourages people to seek help from wildlife rescue organizations if unsure about how to proceed after a collision.
Bernie Borgmann, a veteran in towing and recovery services, acknowledges the challenges posed by wildlife collisions, likening the impact to hitting a solid wall. He emphasizes the need for drivers to exercise caution, especially during peak wildlife activity times, to avoid such incidents. Borgmann’s experiences range from animals crashing through windshields to multiple collisions, underscoring the dangers of wildlife encounters on the roads.
As wildlife collisions continue to pose risks to both humans and animals, awareness, caution, and proactive measures are crucial to minimizing such incidents and their consequences.