SASKATCHEWAN — Wildlife continues to pose a serious threat on Saskatchewan roads. According to Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), there were 8,895 wildlife collisions across the province in 2024 — resulting in 429 injuries and four fatalities. Most incidents occurred on highways, where moose, deer and elk are especially active during the fall mating season.
“In 2024, the total number of collisions involving wildlife was 8,895. This included 8,536 property damage only (PDO) collisions, 355 injury collisions, and four fatal collisions, resulting in 429 injuries and four fatalities," SGI media relations said.
The provincial organization noted that in 2024, most wildlife collisions (6,765) occurred on highways, followed by 1,826 on rural roads, 225 on urban streets, and 79 on other types of roads.
SGI also provides tips on wildlife collision prevention.
- Some helpful tips include: Pay attention and stay alert.
- Use your headlights effectively and be sure to be looking in the ditches in and along the roadways for animals. If one does cross in front of you, it’s likely not to be alone. There are likely to be others.
- Maintaining a three second following distance when driving is also recommended to give yourself extra time to react when other drivers do something unexpected. When road conditions are not ideal with reduced visibility, the following distance should be doubled to six seconds.
There are some cases where a collision with wildlife is unavoidable, even when all necessary precautions are taken.SGI advises that drivers aim their vehicle at the spot where the animal came from, not where it is going and try to avoid swerving as that could result in entering oncoming traffic lane or potentially rolling into ditch.
“Following the collision, the driver should pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and turn on hazard lights. If there are any injuries or significant damage to the vehicle, SGI encourages the driver to call the police. If vehicle damage is less severe, the motorist can continue driving and then follow SGI’s regular protocol to report a claim," adds SGI.
The driver should not approach a wounded animal as it can become dangerous. Instead, the driver is encouraged to call the conservation office. The office can be contacted at 1-800-667-7561.
