Over the past number of weeks, OPP officers have investigated a significant number of motor vehicle collisions involving wildlife of all types. One of the primary concerns police officers have is that there appear to have been a number of collisions that have taken place in that involve animals that are not normally seen in a specific area.

As drivers, many of us are aware that any contact between a motor vehicle and an animal can result in significant damage and in some cases even death. OPP officers have seen large wildlife collisions throughout north Simcoe County, Severn, Muskoka, Haliburton and the Peterborough area.

Drivers are being asked to be vigilant and to watch for large wild animals such as moose, deer and bear crossing roadways throughout the area as many of these animals are making there way to higher ground in preparation for winter.

This year, the OPP have investigated 1321 animal related motor vehicle collisions. Across Central Region, this accounts for approximately 16.4% of the motor vehicle collisions they have investigated so far this year. Statistically police officers have found that many of the collisions involving wildlife occur before dawn and shortly after dusk. As a result, motorists are reminded to drive with proper headlights to illuminate the dark shoulders and to slow down in areas that they know are traditionally frequented by wild animals.

The Ministry of Transportation website also has a number of excellent road safety tips that deal specifically with sharing our roads with wildlife.