Wildlife-train collisions are a conservation concern along
rail networks throughout the world, affecting everything from endangered
dragonflies to elephants. In northern BC, rail-related moose mortality
is a priority due to the importance of moose for First Nations
sustenance, wildlife viewing, and resident hunting opportunities. For
the past twelve years, CN Rail has been working with a group of
academics, government biologists, local stakeholders, and consultants to
study and mitigate moose-train collisions along CN’s northern BC rail
network.
This work has strengthened the understanding of variables
influencing the timing, location and number of moose-train collisions,
and has led to the construction of moose exclusion fencing at three
sites on the Telkwa Subdivision east of Smithers.