“Wildlife Awareness Season Begins”
June 27, 2014 For Immediate Release
Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation Launches 18th Annual Public Safety Campaign
The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, with continued financial support from SGI and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, is once again producing a highly visible campaign to create awareness of the ever increasing number of vehicular collisions with wild moose and deer.
Starting in July, and using the popular slogan “Moose on the Loose”, bright yellow highway billboard signs will be posted around the province in an effort to remind motorist to slow down and be extra vigilant when travelling in and around the province. Radio and TV PSA’s will further remind the public of the potential danger of colliding with a moose. The SWF also provides message oriented dinner placemats to all their local branches for use in their special occasion and fund raising dinners.
Because moose are showing up all over the province and not just in traditional habitat areas, motorists need to be prepared to deal with the possibility of a moose or deer crossing in front of them almost anywhere,
“The Ministry of Environment supports the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation’s Moose on the Loose campaign,” Environment Minister Scott Moe said. “The campaign reminds drivers to slow down and to be more vigilant around dusk and in the evening as moose movement increases after dark. The ministry continues to ensure moose licenses and season structures are targeted towards wildlife management zones identified as having higher moose populations and a greater potential for public conflict and public safety.”
Last year there were 469 reported vehicular collisions with moose and 8,822 reported collisions with deer resulting in 4 people being killed and 292 being injured. SGI paid out
$ 40,727,100.00 in injury and vehicle damage claims.
“Motorist awareness and preventative driving habits are the fundamental keys to reduce the possibility of a collision.” says Darrell Crabbe, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF).
For more information on “Moose on the Loose” contact:
At SWF – Darrell Crabbe, Executive Director – (306) 692-8812 or cell (306) 630-8780
Feel free to contact cell number
At SGI ¬ Kelley Brinkworth, Mgr. of Media Relations – (306) 751-1837
At Environment – Michele McEachern – (306) 787-0412