The number of bison involved in road collisions in the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) seems to be decreasing. According to data from the N.W.T. Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC), there were 60 bison collisions between 2021 and 2025. However, in 2026, there has only been one reported collision.
Terry Armstrong, a Bison Ecologist at ECC, attributes this decline to wildfires in the region. He explains that fires lead bison to shift their habitats, seeking out recently burned areas for the regrowth of vegetation, which they find appealing.
With extensive areas having been affected by wildfires in recent years, more bison are opting for these recovering fire zones over roadsides, potentially reducing collision risks. This trend is positive news for the N.W.T. bison population, which is classified as a threatened species at both territorial and national levels.
The current bison population in the N.W.T. is estimated to be several thousand, with ECC approximating it at slightly over 2,500 individuals. Collisions between 2021 and 2025 resulted in at least 76 bison fatalities, with a notable number occurring along Highway 3, where 45 collisions and 56 bison deaths were recorded.
As the rutting season spans from August to September, bison may exhibit more aggressive behavior on roads. Armstrong notes that during this period, bulls engage in dominance battles and mating rituals, potentially leading to risky encounters with vehicles due to their distracted state.
Reduced visibility during darker hours, particularly at dawn and dusk, adds to the collision risk. Armstrong advises caution, suggesting drivers maintain slow speeds, give bison ample space, and refrain from actions that could startle or provoke the animals, especially dominant males.
Emphasizing the importance of respecting bison as formidable creatures and refraining from any attempts to interact with them physically, Armstrong highlights their significance as one of North America’s largest land mammals, emphasizing the need to protect and coexist with them.