On a late August evening, following an exhibition game between the Chaleur Lightning hockey team and the Miramichi Timberwolves, the team bus encountered a moose on the highway while returning to Bathurst. Assistant coach Alex Ouellet recalled the driver’s gasp and the subsequent collision just minutes into the journey. Fortunately, the team and coaches emerged unscathed, with only minor scratches for the driver.
The incident left a lasting impression on Ouellet and the team, akin to many others in New Brunswick who have faced similar encounters with large animals. The province recently announced the addition of two new wildlife crossings along the highway where the incident occurred.
To prevent such incidents, New Brunswick employs wildlife fencing and crossings, including concrete tunnels. Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson explained that these measures are strategically placed based on collision data to address high-risk areas. Currently, 331 kilometers of highways in the province are lined with wildlife fencing.
However, Chiasson acknowledged that complete containment of wildlife is impractical, as animals need to move across their territories. The province has constructed 82 wildlife crossings, such as the recently installed tunnels on Route 8, offering safe passage for various wildlife species.
Wildlife ecologist Graham Forbes emphasized the importance of making these tunnels intuitive for animals to use effectively. He noted that various animals, not just large mammals, utilize these passages, showcasing their diverse benefits.
Despite the tunnels’ presence, the Department of Transportation has not observed a significant decline in collisions. Chiasson emphasized the ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures, including brush clearing for better visibility along highways.
Looking ahead, Ouellet expressed hope for additional fencing in the area while acknowledging the limitations in preventing all collisions. He stressed the importance of implementing proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with wildlife encounters on the roads.