On a dim Saturday evening in late August, following an exhibition game against the Miramichi Timberwolves, the Chaleur Lightning hockey team embarked on their journey back to Bathurst aboard the team bus. Assistant coach Alex Ouellet recalled a sudden gasp from the driver merely five minutes into the trip. Ouellet witnessed a looming figure ahead, culminating in a loud impact as the bus collided with a moose on the highway. Fortunately, all team members and coaches emerged unscathed, except for minor scratches on the driver.
The encounter left a lasting impression on Ouellet and the team, akin to many others in New Brunswick who have faced similar incidents involving large animals. Ouellet expressed a heightened awareness when traveling on those roads, particularly during evening hours. Interestingly, during that same week, the province announced plans to install two new wildlife crossings on the exact highway segment.
The province employs various strategies to deter moose from straying onto roadways, including wildlife fencing and crossings. According to Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson, the placement of these measures is determined by collision data provided by law enforcement to identify high-risk areas. Presently, 331 kilometers of New Brunswick highways feature wildlife fencing on both sides, aiming to balance safety without obstructing animals’ natural movements.
With 82 wildlife crossings, such as concrete tunnels beneath highways, dispersed across New Brunswick, the province continues efforts to enhance wildlife safety. The newly added tunnels on Route 8 between Miramichi and Bathurst boast dimensions exceeding four meters in both height and width, facilitating safe passage for various wildlife species. Wildlife ecologist Graham Forbes highlighted the importance of intuitive design to encourage animal usage of these tunnels effectively.
Forbes noted that the tunnels attract diverse wildlife beyond larger mammals, showcasing a broad range of species utilizing these underpasses. Despite the implementation of wildlife tunnels, collision rates have not significantly declined, with 2024 recording the highest number of incidents. Chiasson emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing road safety through strategic mitigation measures and maintenance practices.
Looking ahead, Ouellet and the Chaleur Lightning team acknowledge the necessity of navigating the same highway for future games. Despite the potential benefits of moose fencing, Ouellet remains pragmatic about preventing every collision. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures and realistic expectations in mitigating risks associated with wildlife encounters on the road.
