Robert Belley credits metal bars on his truck with saving his life after he and his wife collided with a moose near Lanigan in 2024. The impact left Belley with severe injuries, including limited use of his left hand, preventing him from working in construction and affecting his income. Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is cautioning the public about the increased risk of wildlife collisions during this time of the year, particularly with more moose and deer crossing roads.
SGI reports around 8,800 wildlife-related accidents annually in the province, resulting in an average of 400 injuries and two fatalities over five years. Belley emphasizes the seriousness of these incidents, urging drivers to be vigilant and reduce speed on highways to avoid such accidents. Troy Corbett, SGI’s director of traffic safety community engagement, advises practicing caution, slowing down, watching for wildlife signs, and using high beams when necessary to prevent collisions.
SGI recommends steering toward where the animal came from rather than its current path and being extra cautious during dawn and dusk when visibility is reduced due to glare. Bonnie Dell, executive director of the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan, highlights the impact of wildlife collisions on animals, noting that her organization frequently receives reports of incidents involving deer and coyotes. Dell encourages drivers to seek assistance if they are unsure how to proceed after a collision.
Bernie Borgmann, the owner of Hooker’s Towing and Recovery, shares his experience of responding to wildlife-related incidents, estimating that 10 to 20 percent of the cases he handles involve animals. He describes these collisions as akin to hitting a solid object, emphasizing the potential dangers and the emotional toll on those involved. His storage area currently houses vehicles that recently collided with moose and deer, underscoring the ongoing risk posed by wildlife on the roads.