Drivers across British Columbia are being urged to stay alert as wildlife collisions surge in May and June, a period experts say brings one of the highest crash risks of the year.

According to ICBC, there are more than 12,000 animal-related crashes on average each year in the province, injuring nearly 1,000 people. The risk climbs sharply in late spring as both animals and drivers change their behaviour.

“Wildlife activity is peaking at the same time roads feel safer to drivers,” said Trace Acres of Road Safety at Work. “That combination raises the risk of collisions.”

Southern Interior sees highest collision rates

While crashes happen provincewide, the Southern Interior — including the Thompson, Okanagan and Kootenay regions — consistently records the highest number of animal strikes.

“That’s one of those occasions where it’s not the Lower Mainland with the highest numbers,” Acres said. “It’s the Southern Interior where we see the most collisions.”

ICBC data supports that trend, showing the Southern Interior averages more than 5,200 incidents annually — far higher than other regions.

Deer are the main cause of collisions in May, followed by elk in June, as animals move more frequently in search of food, habitat, and while caring for their young.

Risk extends beyond rural highways

Although wildlife collisions are often associated with rural driving, Acres said that’s no longer the full picture.

“We’ve seen so many deer move into urban settings that it’s a problem all year round,” he said. “Whether you’re in a city, town, or out on the highway, you need to stay alert.”

Still, rural highways remain especially dangerous due to higher speeds and limited visibility — particularly at dawn and dusk, when animals are most active.

Work drivers face increased exposure

The risk is even greater for people who drive as part of their jobs. Hundreds of thousands of workers in B.C. spend time on the road, often during early morning or evening hours when wildlife activity peaks.

“They’re on the road more, often at dawn or dusk, and that puts them directly in that high-risk window,” Acres said.

Employers are responsible for worker safety on the road and are encouraged to build wildlife awareness and prevention into their safety plans.

Collisions can cause serious damage and injury

Even smaller animals can cause significant damage at highway speeds, Acres noted.

“The animal doesn’t have to be very large to cause damage,” he said. “But what’s more concerning is the potential for injury or even death.”

On average, nearly 1,000 people are injured each year in animal-related crashes in B.C., and fatalities do occur.

How drivers can reduce the risk

Experts say many collisions are preventable with the right precautions. Drivers are advised to:

• Slow down in areas with wildlife warning signs
• Watch roadsides carefully, especially in low light
• Stay alert and avoid distractions
• Expect multiple animals, not just one
• Avoid sudden swerving, which can lead to more serious crashes

“One of the most important things is to be in a position where you can react,” Acres said. “Don’t be distracted, and don’t travel at excessive speed in high-risk areas.”

What to do after a collision

If a collision happens, safety should come first.

Drivers should check for injuries and call 911 if needed, move their vehicle safely off the road, and turn on hazard lights. Injured animals should not be approached; instead, drivers should contact conservation officers. Dead animals can be reported through DriveBC.

Swerving to avoid an animal can sometimes make things worse, Acres added.

“You don’t want to end up in oncoming traffic or losing control of your vehicle,” he said.