Although it’s never intentional, vehicle collisions with wildlife do happen and it’s important to know the proper protocols to ensure your safety and others on the roadways.

Kerrie Mckay, conservation officer with the province, stated that in the event you collide with an animal and it does not flee the scene, it is the drivers responsibility to call the toll free TIP line (1-800-667-7561) to report the incident.

Mckay said they will then send out an officer to deal with the situation, whether the animal was killed by the collision or remains injured. It is of utmost importance that drivers or their passengers do not try and touch the animal as it could have illnesses or diseases such as chronic wasting disease.

The Kindersley RCMP also weighed in on the issue, stating that if an animal is obstructing any portion of the roadway, to call the closest detachment. An officer will be able to ensure other drivers are aware of the animal and better prevent another accident happening.

According to SGI, in 2017 there were 15,664 claims reported in relation to wildlife collisions which totalled claims cost of over $80 million.