Robert Belley credits a set of metal bars on his vehicle with saving his life after colliding with a moose near Lanigan in 2024. The impact left him with severe injuries, particularly affecting his left hand, hindering his ability to work in construction and causing financial struggles. Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is cautioning the public about the increased risk of wildlife collisions during this time of year, as more moose and deer are crossing roads.
SGI reports that approximately 8,800 wildlife-related collisions occur in the province each year, resulting in an average of 400 injuries and two fatalities over a five-year period. Belley emphasizes the seriousness of these incidents, urging drivers to exercise caution and slow down on highways to prevent potential harm.
Troy Corbett, SGI’s director of traffic safety community engagement, highlights the heightened risk of wildlife collisions during the fall season, particularly involving deer. He advises drivers to be vigilant, reduce speed, watch for animal signs, and use high beams when necessary to mitigate risks. In unavoidable collision situations, Corbett recommends remaining calm, slowing down, and steering away from the animal.
SGI also suggests steering towards the direction from which the animal came, being cautious during dawn and dusk when visibility may be reduced, and taking preventive measures to avoid wildlife encounters. Bonnie Dell, executive director of the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan, emphasizes the importance of contacting their organization for assistance in handling wildlife collisions.
Bernie Borgmann, the owner of Hooker’s Towing and Recovery, notes the prevalence of wildlife-related incidents in his line of work, estimating that 10 to 20 percent of his responses involve such collisions. He describes the impact of hitting an animal as akin to hitting a solid wall, underscoring the need for drivers to remain vigilant and cautious on the roads to prevent such accidents.
Drivers are encouraged to be proactive in safeguarding against wildlife collisions, especially during peak wildlife activity periods, to ensure both human safety and the well-being of animals in the region.
