On a dark Saturday evening in late August, following an exhibition match against the Miramichi Timberwolves, the Chaleur Lightning hockey team was en route back to Bathurst on their team bus. Assistant coach Alex Ouellet recalled the moment when the bus driver suddenly gasped, leading to a collision with a moose on the highway shortly after their departure.
Fortunately, Ouellet mentioned that the team and coaches emerged from the incident unscathed, except for the driver who sustained minor scratches. This encounter with a large animal left a lasting impression on Ouellet and the team, similar to many other New Brunswick residents who have faced such situations.
Coincidentally, around the same time, two new wildlife crossings were announced by the province to be constructed on the very highway stretch where the incident occurred.
The province employs various methods to prevent encounters between moose and vehicles, such as wildlife fencing and crossings. Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson explained that these measures are strategically placed based on collision data to address high-risk areas effectively.
Presently, wildlife fencing lines both sides of 331 kilometers of New Brunswick highways to mitigate collisions. However, Chiasson emphasized the importance of balancing safety measures with allowing wildlife to move freely in their habitats.
New Brunswick boasts 82 wildlife crossings, including substantial concrete tunnels beneath highways. These tunnels, as large as four meters tall and wide, have proven effective in guiding animals safely across roadways. Research conducted on earlier installations revealed that various wildlife species quickly adapted to and utilized these structures.
Moreover, the tunnels are not solely utilized by large mammals, as observed by wildlife ecologist Graham Forbes, who documented the passage of various animals, including beavers, ducks, and bats. Despite the implementation of these crossings, the Department of Transportation noted that collision rates have remained relatively stable in recent years.
Ouellet expressed hope for additional fencing in the area to enhance safety for travelers, acknowledging the challenges in completely preventing wildlife collisions. He highlighted the importance of proactive measures to address such risks, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure road safety in areas prone to wildlife encounters.