New Brunswick is a province built around nature. Our forests, rivers, wetlands, and wildlife are part of what makes this place unique. But as our highways continue to expand and traffic increases, one ongoing issue continues to be ignored: the lack of proper wildlife fencing and wildlife crossing protections.
For years, wildlife fencing has been identified as one of the most important tools to reduce dangerous animal-vehicle collisions. Yet across New Brunswick, damaged, missing, or inadequate fencing remains a concern. In many areas, fencing that was installed to protect wildlife and drivers has fallen into disrepair, leaving gaps that allow animals to enter roadways.
This is not just a wildlife issue. It is a public safety issue.
Every time a moose, deer, or other animal enters a busy highway, it creates a dangerous situation for drivers, passengers, and the animal itself. A collision can change lives in seconds. Families can lose loved ones, people can suffer serious injuries, and wildlife is often killed.
The question New Brunswick needs to ask is: are we doing enough before these accidents happen?
Too often, action seems to come after tragedy instead of before it.
Wildlife fencing only works when it is properly designed, regularly inspected, and maintained. A fence with holes, damaged sections, or areas where animals can easily get around it is not a solution. It becomes a false sense of protection.
There needs to be more eyes on the ground. There needs to be a stronger commitment to monitoring highways and identifying problem areas before collisions happen.
The provincial government needs to prioritize:
- Regular inspections of wildlife fencing across New Brunswick highways.
- Immediate repairs when damaged sections are found.
- Expansion of fencing in known wildlife movement areas.
- More wildlife crossings to safely connect habitats.
- Better tracking of wildlife collision hotspots.
- Cooperation with conservation groups and wildlife experts.
Wildlife does not understand property lines, highways, or political boundaries. Animals follow natural travel routes that existed long before roads were built. When we build highways through these areas, we have a responsibility to reduce the risks created.
Protecting wildlife is not about stopping development. It is about planning responsibly.
New Brunswick has the knowledge and ability to create safer roads. Other places have shown that properly designed fencing and wildlife crossings can dramatically reduce collisions and save both human and animal lives.
The cost of prevention is far less than the cost of tragedy.
Our wildlife deserves better. New Brunswick families deserve safer roads. It is time for wildlife protection to become a real priority — not just something discussed after another accident happens.
The province must stop looking at wildlife fencing as just another expense and start seeing it as an investment in safety, conservation, and the future of New Brunswick.
Keith Dennis Brewer
Nature and Wildlife Advocate
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