Almost one in five wildlife collisions occur in the month of November, that is 18% and more than in any other month of the year.

Collisions increase at this time primarily because of mating season but animals are drawn to roads for a number of reasons including an abundance of roadside vegetation, attraction to road salt and, in many cases, roads cut through their migration routes.

Collision statistics in Alberta

• On average, in Alberta there are almost 1,200 wildlife collisions each month but, in November, the average jumps to 2,465.
• There were 70,453 animal collisions over the past five years.
• Last year, 47 per cent of collisions on rural highways in Alberta involved an animal.
• Over the last five years, one-third of all animal-involved collisions occurred between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Tips for preventing a collision with an animal

• Reduce your speed and use caution in areas with wildlife warning signs or animal crossing signs.
• Be especially careful at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
• Use the high beams of your headlights whenever possible. It will enable you to see animals sooner. Sometimes, an animal’s eyes will reflect the light.
• If you see an animal on or near the roadway, slow down immediately — animal behavior can be unpredictable and they sometimes travel in groups.
• Honk in a series of short bursts to encourage the animal to leave the area.
• Be prepared to stop.

Content curated by the Park Derochie Safety Department.