The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation is warning the public of the potential increase in deer population. (File Photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Ronald Quaroni

Wildlife Warning

Wildlife collision on Highway 11 highlights deer danger

Jun 18, 2019 | 2:01 PM

A vehicle versus wildlife incident on Highway 11 late Monday night that sent a 55-year-old woman to hospital, is a reminder to all motorists to be cautious of animals on the roads.

The collision highlights a warning from the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF).

The SWF wrote in a press release, issued Monday, that due to unusually mild winters, the SWF is expecting an increase in the wild deer population.

Lyle Karasiuk, director of public affairs with Parkland Ambulance, said the region is particularly at risk of animal-vehicle collisions, due to high amounts of forested area surrounding Prince Albert.

“We can take a lot of precautions ourselves by being observant,” Karasiuk said. “They (deer) are very fast moving creatures and we’re not just referring to deer. There’s moose and other types of wildlife you can encounter. Watch for the critters if there’s one, there’s likely more to follow.”

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June and July are a high-risk time for animal collisions, as well as October and November.

In 2018 alone, SGI reported a total of 14,000 wildlife collision claims, 12,401 involving deer, resulting in $83 million in insurance claims.

The SWF is launching its 23^rd annual Give Wildlife a Brake campaign with the goal of alerting the public to dangers of wild animals crossing the roads in front of them.

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Ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni