On a dim Saturday evening in late August, the Chaleur Lightning ice hockey team had just wrapped up an exhibition match against the Miramichi Timberwolves and entered the team bus for the journey back to Bathurst. Assistant coach Alex Ouellet recalled the moment when the driver suddenly gasped. “It happened within the first five minutes of the drive,” Ouellet recounted. “I glanced up and saw a figure ahead of us, followed by a loud bang.”
The team bus collided with a moose on the highway, but fortunately, Ouellet mentioned that everyone on board, including the team and coaches, emerged unscathed except for the driver, who sustained minor scratches. Similar to many in New Brunswick who have encountered or narrowly missed large animals, Ouellet admitted that it was an unforgettable experience for him and the team. “Every time I travel those roads, I’ll definitely be thinking about it, especially during the evening and nighttime,” he remarked.
Coincidentally, during that same week, the province unveiled plans to construct two additional wildlife crossings along that particular highway stretch. These crossings, known as wildlife tunnels, are part of the province’s efforts to deter moose from straying onto roadways by employing wildlife fencing and specialized passages.
Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson explained that the decision on where to place these measures is informed by collision data provided by law enforcement. While acknowledging the presence of wildlife fencing along both sides of 331 kilometers of New Brunswick highways, Chiasson emphasized the importance of allowing animals to move through their habitats freely while ensuring their safety and minimizing disruptions caused by roadway crossings.
Currently, the province boasts 82 wildlife crossings, which include concrete tunnels situated beneath the highway. These tunnels, such as the two recently installed on Route 8 between Miramichi and Bathurst, are designed to be spacious and easily accessible to various wildlife species, measuring over four meters in height and width. Wildlife ecologist Graham Forbes highlighted the tunnels’ effectiveness, noting that animals quickly adapt to and utilize these passages once they become familiar with them.
Forbes further observed that the tunnels are not exclusively utilized by large mammals but also by a diverse range of wildlife, including beavers, ducks, bats, skunks, and raccoons. Despite the installation of wildlife tunnels, the Department of Transportation reported that collision rates have not significantly decreased, with 409 collisions recorded in 2024, resulting in injuries and one fatality.
Chiasson reiterated the province’s commitment to enhancing road safety by implementing mitigation measures in collision-prone areas and maintaining clear visibility along highways. Ouellet expressed optimism about the potential addition of more fencing in the region but acknowledged the challenges of completely preventing collisions with wildlife. “You try to make the best of a tough situation and implement the most preventive measures possible,” Ouellet concluded.