The number of bison involved in road collisions in the N.W.T. seems to be decreasing. Between 2021 and 2025, the N.W.T. Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) documented 60 bison collisions. However, in 2026, there has been only one reported incident.
Terry Armstrong, a bison ecologist with ECC, suggests that wildfires may be contributing to this trend. He explains that fires prompt bison to alter their movement patterns, leading them to seek out recently burned areas where they can benefit from the new vegetation growth.
Roadside vegetation is a common attraction for bison, but with significant areas having been affected by fires in recent years, it appears that more bison are opting for post-wildfire regions instead. This shift in behavior is resulting in fewer collisions on roads.
This development is positive news for the N.W.T. bison population, particularly considering that wood bison are classified as a threatened species both regionally and nationally. ECC estimates the current bison population to be several thousand, with their numbers hovering just above 2,500.
Toyeke Adedipe, a spokesperson for ECC, disclosed that between 2021 and 2025, road collisions led to the deaths of at least 76 bison, with some incidents involving multiple animals. Most of these collisions occurred along Highway 3, accounting for 45 incidents and 56 bison fatalities.
August through September marks the rutting season for bison, a period when encounters with aggressive behavior from these animals on roads are more likely. Armstrong mentions that during this time, bison are engaged in mating and territorial disputes, which can escalate to dangerous encounters with vehicles.
As darkness falls earlier, visibility diminishes, especially during dawn and dusk, making it more challenging to spot bison on the roads. Armstrong warns of the increased risk of collisions during this season due to the ongoing summer driving conditions with clear roads and no snow cover.
He advises drivers to exercise caution, maintain distance from bison, and refrain from actions that could startle or provoke the animals, particularly aggressive males. Importantly, he emphasizes the importance of staying inside vehicles and avoiding any attempts to interact with the bison.
Armstrong underscores the uniqueness and significance of bison as the largest land mammal in North America, emphasizing their resilience and historical presence on the continent for thousands of years.