The Northwest Territories have seen a decrease in the number of bison collisions on roads. Data from the N.W.T. Department of Environment and Climate Change shows that between 2021 and 2025, there were 60 bison collisions, but in 2026, only one has been reported.
Terry Armstrong, a bison ecologist with the ECC, credits wildfires for this decline. He explains that fires cause bison to shift their habitat, moving towards recently burned areas to take advantage of new vegetation growth.
Due to extensive wildfires in recent years, it seems more bison are opting for recovering burnt areas over roadside vegetation, resulting in fewer collisions. This is positive news for the Wood bison population in the N.W.T., which is considered a threatened species both regionally and nationally.
The current Wood bison population is estimated to be several thousand, with ECC approximating it at just over 2,500 individuals. Collisions between 2021 and 2025 led to the death of at least 76 bison, with most incidents occurring along Highway 3.
August to September marks the rutting season for bison, where encounters with aggressive behavior on roads are more likely. Armstrong highlights the risks during this time, emphasizing the importance of caution due to reduced visibility, especially during dawn and dusk.
He advises drivers to proceed carefully, maintain distance from bison, and avoid actions that may provoke them, such as honking. It is crucial to remember that bison are the largest land mammal in North America, and interacting with them can pose significant dangers, particularly when dealing with aggressive males.