Motorcyclist collides with moose prompting shut down of Valley highway

Two moose are shown along a road near Lac la Biche, Alta., on Tuesday May 10, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

By Natasha O'Neill

Posted Aug 27, 2025 01:56:48 PM.

Last Updated Aug 27, 2025 03:00:52 PM.

A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries after hitting a moose on a busy Ottawa Valley highway on Wednesday morning.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) closed Highway 17 in both directions for several hours. The incident happened around 5:00 a.m. between Petawawa and Chalk River. Police said the motorcyclist suffered serious injuries and was sent to a local hospital before being airlifted to an Ottawa hospital.

Officers said that the biker collided with a moose.

This comes after OPP in the east region sent out a reminder to drivers of recent moose sightings in Ottawa.

In a post on X in June, police say they have seen moose in Ottawa “as recently as this week.” The large mammal has also been spotted along the 401. The significant road hazard has officials asking drivers to be aware of their surroundings at dusk and dawn.

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