Alberta sees tens of thousands of wildlife-vehicle collisions every year. Fall is the worst season — deer are moving more, days are shorter, and drivers are on unfamiliar roads. If you hit a deer or another animal, here’s what to do.

1. Get safely off the road

Turn on your hazard lights and pull off the road if you can. If your vehicle isn’t drivable, get out and stand well away from the road — animal collisions often happen in low-visibility conditions where a second collision can follow.

Do not approach the animal. An injured deer or moose can be dangerous, and even a stunned one can startle up.

2. Call the police

Alberta requires you to report a wildlife collision if:

  • Anyone is injured
  • Vehicle damage looks like it’s over $2,000
  • You need help managing the scene or the animal

Call the RCMP non-emergency line, or 911 for injuries. They’ll file a report and dispatch the appropriate response for the animal.

Do not attempt to move a dead or injured animal off the road yourself — that’s a job for authorities.

3. Document what you can

Take photos of:

  • The vehicle damage
  • The location (a signpost or intersection helps)
  • The scene, if it’s safe

Your insurer will want the report number from the police call, so keep track of it.

4. Understand your coverage

Wildlife collisions in Alberta typically fall under comprehensive coverage (not collision coverage). That distinction matters because:

  • Comprehensive claims usually don’t affect your at-fault rating
  • Deductibles may be different than a collision claim
  • Not all policies include comprehensive — check yours

If you only carry basic liability, a wildlife collision may not be covered. Check with your insurer.

5. Get the vehicle checked, even if damage looks minor

Even a “small” deer hit can:

  • Puncture radiators or cooling system components
  • Damage ADAS sensors and cameras behind the grille or bumper
  • Compromise hood latches or airbag sensors
  • Bend structural members that aren’t obvious from the outside

Get a free written estimate from a local shop. The visible damage is usually just the surface — a proper inspection tells you what’s actually going on.

6. Know when it’s peak risk

In Alberta, deer collisions peak in:

  • October to November — rutting season, deer are moving more and less cautiously
  • May to June — young deer disperse from their mothers
  • Dawn and dusk — visibility is worst and deer are most active

Slow down through wooded stretches. If you see one deer, expect more — they often travel in groups.

What you don’t need to worry about

You can’t be fined for hitting an animal that darted in front of you. You can’t be found “at fault” in the traditional sense — a wildlife collision is what your insurer would call an unavoidable event.

The priority is your safety, then documentation, then repair. Your shop and your insurer handle the rest.