As bears begin to become more active this time of year, Wildsafe BC is reminding drivers to watch out for all types of wildlife on highways across the province.
Deer are the most common animal people collide with on B.C.’s highways alongside moose and black bears.
Wildsafe BC’s Vanessa Isnardy tells NL News drivers should always expect to encounter a wild animal while on the highway.
“People are often very nervous about hiking in bear country, but its actually driving on the road that’s more dangerous because collisions with wildlife on average result in hundreds of injuries every year and also fatalities with people,” she said.
“You’re more likely to have a serious altercation with a with a wild animal on the highway versus in the wild.”
Isnardy says it is crucial to watch for wildlife signs, as those tend to be put in hotspots for wild animal crossings, adding it is also very important to be aware of the times of day when wildlife is most active.
“For example, evening and dusk, early mornings are really challenging times for motorists to see wildlife on the highways for motorists. Then at night, bears are black-they’re really hard to see on the highways,” she said.
“As well as moose, if you’re going to be up in the northern areas of the province, you might be colliding with moose, which can be very dangerous as well.”
Isnardy says it’s crucial to not speed and to be vigilant while driving on clear stretches of road.
“We all know that speed kills, it just reduces our reaction time. When we are on holidays, we are not necessarily looking at the sides of the roads, we are looking at the scenery, and the landscape so, having a passenger with you to watch for wildlife on the highways,” explained Isnardy.
“If you see wildlife on the highways, it is really important that you continue, slow down a bit, don’t stop to go and take photos of the wildlife because that can lead to all sorts of problems and accidents. Especially if that animal gets spooked and then darts across the highway–that’s the worst-case scenario.”
If you are in a collision with a wild animal, Isnardy has some advice on what you should do.
“The first thing you want to do is, if it’s safe to pull over, please do so, inspect your vehicle to see what kind of damage has been done, you will want to report it to your insurance,” she said.
“If you see the animal is by the side of the road and injured-you want to report that. If the animal is still alive, obviously keep your distance, and be safe and make sure it’s safe for you primarily.”
Drivers who collide with a wild animal can also call the RAPP (Report All Poachers and Polluters) line for help.
