On a late August Saturday night, following an exhibition game against the Miramichi Timberwolves, the Chaleur Lightning hockey team boarded their bus to head back to Bathurst. Assistant coach Alex Ouellet recalled a sudden collision with a moose on the highway, causing a loud impact that startled everyone on board. Fortunately, the team and coaches escaped unharmed, except for the driver who sustained minor scratches.
The encounter with the moose left a lasting impression on Ouellet and the team, a common experience for many New Brunswickers who have faced similar situations. The incident prompted discussions about safety measures to mitigate wildlife collisions. Coincidentally, the province announced plans to install two new wildlife crossings on the same highway stretch that very week.
New Brunswick employs various methods to prevent wildlife accidents, such as wildlife fencing and tunnels. Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson explained that these measures are strategically placed based on collision data to address high-risk areas. While extensive wildlife fencing lines both sides of 331 kilometers of highways in the province, it’s acknowledged that fencing alone cannot entirely deter animals from their natural movements and food foraging.
The province boasts 82 wildlife crossings, including concrete tunnels that are over four meters tall and wide. These tunnels provide safe passages for various wildlife species, not just moose. Research conducted on earlier wildlife tunnels showed positive results, with animals quickly adapting to and utilizing these underpasses.
Despite the presence of wildlife crossings, collision rates remain a concern, with the highest reported numbers in recent years. The Department of Transportation continues to prioritize safety measures to reduce collisions, including brush clearing and enhanced guidelines. Ouellet expressed hope for additional fencing in the area to enhance safety but acknowledged the challenges of preventing every potential crash.
Traveling through these areas remains a cautious endeavor for Ouellet and the Chaleur Lightning team, emphasizing the importance of proactive safety measures in minimizing wildlife-related incidents on the roads.
