With many reports of collisions with moose (and to a lesser extent, deer), the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) is trying to keep everyone safe with its 19th annual Moose on the Loose campaign.
The campaign is trying to raise awareness of the prevalence of moose during the “rut,” the period of time when they’re wandering around looking for mates.
“If people take a little more time getting from point A to point B … more people would get home without having a collision,” said Darrell Crabbe, executive director for the SWF.
This year alone, five people were taken to the hospital with injuries when their car collided with a moose near Theodore, Sask. and there were three moose collisions reported north of Saskatoon.
“It’s been pretty much across the province,” Crabbe said.
Crabbe said that the generally accepted reason for the increase in moose collisions is that they are moving south following canola, where they’ve found everything they need – food, shelter, water, and most importantly, a lack of predators.
Most moose cows will give birth to two calves, one of which will make it to adulthood. Now, a lot of the time both are making it to adulthood, increasing the moose population. The ministry of environment in the province has also increased the hunting allocation accordingly.
Both moose and deer can cause a lot of damage to a vehicle, but a moose collision is more dangerous simply because of how it’s built.
“When you hit a deer, usually the brunt of the impact is absorbed by your bumper, but because of moose physiology … a lot of times especially with cars, the impact is taken in the windshield,” Crabbe said. “That’s why we have a much higher prevalence of injuries or death in that matter.”
In addition, drivers can often see deer because of the reflection of their eyes. However, because moose are so much taller, that advantage is lost.
To raise awareness, the SWF is sending out news releases and releasing TV ads.
“We’re fortunate to have those populations, and we don’t want to be bubble wrapped, but (while) the vast majority of Saskatchewan residents see (healthy wildlife populations) as a huge benefit, with that comes a huge responsibility to trying to adjust your lifestyle to fit that reality.”
To avoid collisions, just pay attention and slow down in crossing zones – and remember that most collisions occur in low light situations.
“Hopefully everyone takes the extra time to get to their destinations and hopefully everyone gets there safe and sound,” Crabbe said.
