Researchers track moose to improve highway safety

A research project now underway is gathering data to learn more about the movements of moose, especially around highways.

According to recent data from SGI, every year there are thousands of insurance claims filed based on collisions with wildlife.

Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan have been tracking moose, with a focus on Highway 11.

Earlier this week, project director Ryan Brook and his team were able to put tracking collars on 17 animals that were near the highway between Dundurn and Chamberlain.

"It's a bit stressful for the animals so we really take great pains to make sure we have a very short chase time and very short handling time," Brook explained.

The collars are equipped with GPS, allowing researchers to get hourly reports on the animals' movements.

"So far the movements haven't been large," Brook said. "We have seen a lot of animals right close to Highway 11 though."

Brook said researchers have theories about why moose are in close proximity to highways, and the information gathered could help provide answers.

The study is expected to be completed in two years.