During the fall season moose tend to be out and about more. (Ryan Brook/Twitter)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Moose awareness

Fall can be an active time for wildlife

Oct 7, 2019 | 2:49 PM

Drivers are being reminded to take extra care out on the highways.

During this time of year, more wildlife, including moose are more likely to be around and about. According to Dr. Ryan Brook, a professor in the faculty of agriculture and bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan, they are also more likely to be in a different state of mind.

“Animals are much more active, they’re moving around, they’re also not thinking as straight too. They’re worried about finding love and not so worried about watching for vehicles,” he said.

Brook said people need to especially careful during dusk and at night as this is when conditions are the most dangerous for drivers.

“We know that most collisions with moose occur at nighttime and actually that dusk period is a really high-risk period because there’s a lot of traffic at that time,” he said.

Warm weather continues

Warmer-than-normal weather continues through the weekend

18h ago

2 New Directors

Getting to know the new members of the Prince Albert Chamber of Commerce

Nov 06, 2024

warrant issued

Former Sask. Mountie, convicted of breach of trust, now accused of voyeurism and accessing child porn

Nov 06, 2024

Moose are not only more of a hazard to drivers due to their large size, but also are more difficult to see as they have darker coats. They can be especially hard to see if they are looking the other way as the light will not reflect off their eyes.

Brook said unlike deer and other animals, they may react in a much different manner to vehicles.

“Moose will just stand there in the middle of the road,” he said.

Overall Brook said people need to remember to slow down and especially pay attention to signs warning them about moose in an area.

Safety stressed for hunters

Parkland Ambulance also wants people to be thinking safety as they head out hunting. Lyle Karasiuk, director of public affairs with Parkland Ambulance, said to keep mindful of their target.

“We always ask people to take a second look,” he said.

Along with shooting safety, Karasiuk said they want people to remember to tell people when they are heading out and where they plan to be. In the event they get lost or are injured, Karasiuk said generally the best course of action is to call or send someone for help and stay where they are.

“Make sure you have a plan,” he said.

Karasiuk also stressed for people to be prepared for different kinds of weather and have supplies. He added people using all terrain vehicles should make sure they have the proper gear, which includes safety equipment and tow ropes.

“Most of the calls we get sadly are tragic incidents where something has gone terribly wrong or a hunter who has got lost or injured,” he said.

—

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn