The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation is advising drivers to be more aware when driving at this time of year.

There are more moose and deer crossing the highway and roads during this time. The reasons for this is due to the fawns and calves being abandoned by there mothers and these animals are now left seeking new habitats or other orphans. These animals are not "road wise" says the SWF, they present a significate danger to motorists due to their unpredictable behavior at the roadside. The SWF also notes that all animals are highly unpredictable.

SGI reports over 14,000 vehicular collisions with wildlife occurred last year, this is not including birds. The damage in a dollar sense is around the $79 million mark. 

Darrell Crabbe, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation states, "Motorists need to be vigilant and take precautions by slowing down when seeing animals near the road as they may dart out om front of you at any time, night time is especially risky as animals are much more mobile at night and are obviously harder to see." He also noted that headlights can sometimes reflect and illuminate their eyes making them easier to see but that is not always the case.

SGI has these tips for driving regarding wildlife:

  • Know the peak times (May - June, late fall early winter, and during dawn and dusk)
  • Watch your speed 
  • Watch for wildlife signs they indicate a high presence of wildlife
  • Be alert (Scan from shoulder to shoulder)
  • If you encounter an animal slow down
  • Avoid swerving as you could potentially lose control of your vehicle

For more tips, you can visit SGI's website here.