On a late August Saturday night, the Chaleur Lightning hockey team finished an exhibition game against the Miramichi Timberwolves and boarded their bus for the journey back to Bathurst. Assistant coach Alex Ouellet recalled a sudden gasp from the driver shortly after departure. Within minutes, the bus collided with a moose on the highway, leaving the team and coaches unharmed, except for minor scratches on the driver.

The encounter left a lasting impression on Ouellet and the team, similar to many others in New Brunswick who have experienced close calls with large animals. The incident coincided with the announcement by the province of the installation of two new wildlife crossings on the same highway stretch.

The province employs various methods, such as wildlife fencing and crossings, to deter moose from entering roadways. Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson explained that collision data guides the placement of these measures at high-risk locations along the 331 kilometers of New Brunswick highways lined with wildlife fencing.

Despite the extensive fencing, wildlife tunnels, including the newly constructed ones on Route 8, aim to provide safe passage for animals. These tunnels, over four meters tall and wide, facilitate wildlife movement without disrupting their natural behaviors. Studies have shown that animals quickly adapt to these underground passages, with various species, not just large mammals, utilizing them.

While the Department of Transportation has not observed a significant decline in collisions due to the tunnels, efforts continue to enhance road safety. Ouellet emphasized the importance of ongoing preventive measures, acknowledging the challenges of completely preventing such incidents. He expressed hope for additional fencing in the area while recognizing the complexities of mitigating wildlife-related accidents.