Through the annual Give Wildlife a Brake campaign, as autumn settles across Saskatchewan, drivers are being reminded to watch for wildlife on provincial highways and rural roads.
Fall is the breeding season for deer and moose, causing animals to travel more frequently as they search for mates and move into new territories. This increased movement, combined with shorter daylight hours, creates a greater risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions.
According to SGI, there were 8,598 wildlife-related collisions in Saskatchewan in 2025, including 8,261 property damage-only collisions, 335 injury collisions and 2 fatal collisions. These incidents resulted in 412 injuries and 2 fatalities.
“Wildlife can appear on the road with very little warning, particularly at dawn, dusk, and during the evening hours,” said Darrell Crabbe, Acting Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation. “If you spot an animal near the road, stay alert for others, as wildlife often travel in groups.”
While wildlife collisions happen throughout the province, the communities recording the highest number in 2025 were Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Yorkton. Deer continued to be involved in the majority of reported wildlife collisions.
“Drivers should expect wildlife wherever they travel in Saskatchewan, especially on highways and rural roads,” said Karol Noe, Interim EVP, Vehicle & Driver Programs for SGI. “Slowing down and actively scanning the road from shoulder to shoulder gives drivers more time to react. A few extra seconds of caution can protect drivers, passengers and Saskatchewan’s wildlife.”
SGI and the SWF encourage drivers to follow these precautions:
- Slow down in areas where wildlife are commonly present, particularly on highways and rural roads, and where wildlife crossing signs are posted.
- Be especially cautious at dawn, dusk and during the first few hours after sunset.
- Scan the road ahead and watch the shoulders and ditches for movement or reflected eyes.
- Use high beams when conditions allow, but remember that headlights may cause an animal to freeze on the road.
- If one animal crosses the road, slow down and watch for others that may be following.
- Stay in control of your vehicle by slowing your speed and steering towards where the animal came from, not where it’s going.
- Make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt.
- Avoid driving when you are tired
If a collision cannot be avoided, drivers should slow their speed and steer towards where the animal came from, not where it’s going. Following a collision, move the vehicle to a safe location when possible, turn on the hazard lights and contact the appropriate authorities. Injured or deceased wildlife should not be approached.
SGI and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation are encouraging everyone travelling Saskatchewan’s roads this fall to keep their eyes on the road, reduce their speed and give wildlife a brake.
For additional information about preventing wildlife collisions and what to do if one occurs, visit sgi.sk.ca/wildlife-collisions or contact the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation Central Office at 306-692-8812.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
SWF Media Inquiries SGI Media Inquiries
Darrell Crabbe, Acting Executive Director Phone: 306-751-1837
306-692-8812 Email: mediainquiries@sgi.sk.ca
dcrabbe@swf.sk.ca