On a dim Saturday evening towards the end of August, following an exhibition match against the Miramichi Timberwolves, the Chaleur Lightning hockey team was returning to Bathurst aboard their team bus. Assistant coach Alex Ouellet recalled a moment when the driver suddenly gasped, shortly after they had commenced the journey. Ouellet described seeing a figure in front of them, followed by a loud impact as the bus collided with a moose on the highway. Fortunately, all team members and coaches emerged unscathed, except for the driver who sustained minor scratches.
The encounter with the moose left a lasting impression on Ouellet and the team, resembling the experiences of many others in New Brunswick who have faced similar incidents. Ouellet expressed that he would always remember the event, especially when traveling along those roads, particularly during evening and nighttime hours.
Coincidentally, the same week witnessed the province’s announcement of adding two new wildlife crossings along that specific highway stretch.
The province employs various methods to prevent moose from encroaching onto roadways, such as wildlife fencing and crossings, including tunnels. Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson mentioned that the decision on where to place these mitigation measures is based on collision data provided by law enforcement to identify high-risk areas requiring attention.
Presently, 331 kilometers of New Brunswick highways are safeguarded by wildlife fencing on both sides. Chiasson emphasized the importance of balancing wildlife preservation with road safety, acknowledging that an excessive amount of fencing could impede animals’ natural movement and foraging habits.
New Brunswick boasts 82 wildlife crossings, including concrete tunnels beneath highways in different regions. The recently installed tunnels on Route 8 between Miramichi and Bathurst are over four meters tall and wide, comprising 11 pre-fabricated concrete segments. These tunnels are designed to accommodate large animals and provide a safe passage.
Research conducted over 15 years ago on the impact of wildlife tunnels on Route 7 revealed positive results. Wildlife ecologist Graham Forbes, who led the study, noted that various animals, not just large mammals, utilize these tunnels. He highlighted the importance of making the tunnels intuitive for animals to encourage their usage.
Despite the presence of wildlife tunnels, the Department of Transportation has not observed a significant decline in collisions, with 409 collisions recorded in 2024. Chiasson emphasized the priority of ensuring traveler safety and implementing mitigation measures in collision-prone areas.
Looking ahead, Ouellet expressed hope for the addition of more fencing in the region, although he acknowledged the limitations in preventing every crash. He emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures to mitigate risks in areas prone to wildlife encounters.