Wildlife have become an increasingly common hazard on Saskatchewan roads.

“It seems evolving migration patterns are a factor, as some animals might be spotted south in areas that they haven’t maybe previously been,” SGI spokesman Tyler McMurchy said.

The vast majority of wildlife involved are deer, he said.

In 2016 SGI reported around 6,700 significant collisions where wildlife was a factor, resulting in 399 injuries.

That’s up from 5,100 significant crashes and 368 injuries in 2015, numbers which were up over the year prior.

“You're looking at in excess of 10,000 claims for wildlife collisions on an annual basis. Tens of millions of dollars as a result,” McMurchy said.

SGI offers the following tips to avoid crashes with wildlife:

  • Be alert during May and June, when animals are drawn to ditches for road salt and to escape biting insects
  • Be alert during mating season and migration in late fall and early winter
  • Be alert around dawn and dusk
  • Watch your speed and be aware of the yellow wildlife warning signs, regardless of the season or time of day.
  • Slowing down reduces the time needed to stop the vehicle and reduces the force of impact in the case of a crash
  • If you see an animal at the side of the road, slow down to pass it
  • Remain calm if an animal appears in the road ahead of you