Robert Belley credits the metal bars on his truck for saving his life after colliding with a moose near Lanigan in 2024. Reflecting on the incident, he vividly recalls the moment of impact and the subsequent pain that followed. Two years later, Belley still struggles with limited mobility in his left hand, preventing him from working in construction and affecting his income.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is raising awareness about the dangers of wildlife collisions during this time of year when more moose and deer are crossing roads. The Crown insurance company reports approximately 8,800 wildlife-related collisions annually in the province, resulting in an average of 400 injuries and two fatalities over five years.
Belley emphasizes the seriousness of wildlife collisions, urging people to exercise caution and reduce speed on highways to prevent accidents that can result in severe injuries or fatalities. Troy Corbett, SGI’s director of traffic safety community engagement, highlights the increased risk of wildlife collisions in the fall, particularly involving deer, and advises drivers to be vigilant, slow down, watch for animal signs near roads, and use high beams when necessary.
While SGI acknowledges that avoiding wildlife collisions entirely is impossible, they recommend taking precautions such as steering towards the animal’s point of origin and being extra cautious during dawn and dusk when visibility may be compromised by glare.
Bonnie Dell, executive director of the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan, stresses the importance of contacting their organization in case of wildlife collisions. Dell recounts a rescue mission involving an adult coyote hit by a vehicle, underscoring the value of each individual animal and the emotional toll on those involved in such incidents.
Bernie Borgmann, owner of Hooker’s Towing and Recovery, shares his experience of responding to wildlife-related incidents, describing the impact of collisions as akin to hitting a solid wall. He mentions the prevalence of such incidents in his line of work and emphasizes the need for caution on the roads to prevent further accidents and protect wildlife.
Overall, the accounts shared by Belley, Corbett, Dell, and Borgmann highlight the importance of road safety, vigilance, and empathy towards wildlife to reduce the number of collisions and mitigate the associated risks.
