On average 1,600 collisions with wildlife are reported to Manitoba Public Insurance each November ─ making it the worst month for wildlife related collisions.

MPI said that more than 10,000 wildlife claims are reported yearly and over the last five years in Manitoba, two people have been killed and hundreds injured due to hitting the animal, or attempting to miss the animal.

In addition to the human loss, there’s an economic cost ― $28.9 million was paid out in wildlife claims last year by Manitoba Public Insurance.

October is traditionally the second worst month, with an average 1,300 wildlife collisions reported to Manitoba Public Insurance each year.

Provincial wildlife officials explain that October and November are the worst months because it’s mating season for deer populations, resulting in increased travel by the animals.

MPI said drivers should follow five tips, including:

• Use your high beams to help locate deer near the road
• Slow down when travelling in an area known to have wildlife
• If you see an animal on the roadway blow your horn
• Avoid swerving—you may lose control or collide with oncoming traffic
• Brake hard only if other traffic isn’t following you closely