WINNIPEG, Man. — The number of vehicle-wildlife collisions in Manitoba has risen for the third straight year, prompting concern from Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI).

This past year there were a total of 8,400 collisions and MPI paid out $18-million in claims related to these wildlife-related collisions.

November is traditionally the worst month for collisions involving wildlife. Bob Carmichael of Manitoba Wildlife, tells local media that mild winters tend to increase the numbers of animals hit on the highways. He advises drivers to be more alert at dusk and dawn, when wildlife is more likely to be actively travelling along the edges of roads.