On a late August Saturday night, the Chaleur Lightning hockey team finished an exhibition game against the Miramichi Timberwolves and boarded their team bus to return to Bathurst. Assistant coach Alex Ouellet recalled hearing the driver gasp shortly after they departed. Within minutes, a loud bang signaled a collision with a moose on the highway. Fortunately, the team 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, reminiscent of the many New Brunswickers who have faced similar incidents. Ouellet expressed that the experience would be etched in his memory, especially during evening and night travels. Coincidentally, the province announced the addition of two new wildlife crossings on the same highway stretch that week.
New Brunswick employs various methods to deter moose from entering roadways, such as wildlife fencing and crossings. Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson explained that the placement of these measures is determined by collision data, focusing on high-risk areas. Currently, 331 kilometers of highways in New Brunswick are equipped with wildlife fencing on both sides to minimize collisions.
The province boasts 82 wildlife crossings, including tunnels under highways, with two recent installations on Route 8. These tunnels, over four meters tall and wide, are designed to accommodate large animals like moose. Studies have shown that wildlife, including bear, deer, and moose, quickly adapt to using these tunnels, ensuring safe passage.
Apart from large mammals, smaller animals like beavers, ducks, and bats also utilize the tunnels. Despite the implementation of wildlife crossings, collision rates have not significantly decreased, with 409 incidents reported in 2024. The Department of Transportation aims to enhance safety by strategically placing mitigation measures and improving road visibility.
While Ouellet and the Chaleur Lightning team continue to travel the highway for games, Ouellet acknowledged the importance of additional fencing for enhanced safety. Realistically, preventing all collisions may be challenging, but proactive measures can mitigate risks and enhance road safety for all travelers.