The North West Territories (N.W.T.) has seen a decrease in bison collisions on roads, with only one recorded in 2026 compared to 60 from 2021 to 2025, according to the N.W.T. Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC). Bison ecologist Terry Armstrong credits wildfires for this decline, as fires alter bison behavior by shifting their habitat preferences towards recently burnt areas with fresh vegetation.
The burnt areas lure bison away from roads where they typically forage on roadside plants. With an increase in fire-affected areas in recent years, more bison are opting to graze in post-wildfire zones, leading to fewer collisions. This trend is positive news for the N.W.T. wood bison population, which is classified as threatened both regionally and nationally, with an estimated population of over 2,500 individuals.
ECC spokesperson Toyeke Adedipe revealed that between 2021 and 2025, collisions resulted in the deaths of at least 76 bison, with Highway 3 being a hotspot for such incidents. Armstrong highlighted that the rutting season from August to September poses a higher risk of bison encounters on roads due to mating behaviors, aggression, and reduced visibility in low light conditions.
Armstrong emphasized the importance of cautious driving, maintaining distance from bison, and refraining from actions that may agitate them, especially during rutting season. He warned against attempting to interact with bison, reminding that they are North America’s largest land mammals and should be respected for their unique presence and conservation importance.