SCIC Modernizes Wildlife Damage Claims

The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) continues to support producers facing losses due to wildlife through the Wildlife Damage Compensation and Prevention Program. If wildlife has damaged your crop, SCIC encourages you to report your loss and register a claim.

Technology Enhances Inspections

In 2024, SCIC launched a pilot program integrating unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology into the wildlife damage claims process. This innovative approach uses UAVs and artificial intelligence to enhance inspections, reduce manual observation time and provide producers with AI-generated maps that illustrate damage and support claim calculations.

Starting as early as 2025, UAV mapping will be integrated into the claims process for certain types of wildlife damage. These inspections take place in standing crop before harvest, helping assess crop loss and determine whether prevention strategies are needed. Traditional inspection methods will continue to be used for swathed crop claims involving big game.

How UAV and AI Technology Work Together

As part of the updated inspection process, UAVs capture between 250 to 350 high-resolution images while flying over the producer’s field. These images are then stitched together using software to create a detailed, full field view. The first image shows the stitched aerial photo of the field before AI analysis. The second image with red trails is the result of AI processing, which identifies wildlife trails and beds and calculates the total crop damage.
 

Submit Your Claim

To ensure accurate assessments and timely compensation, producers are encouraged to report wildlife damage as soon as it is observed and before harvesting the affected crop.

All Saskatchewan producers who report farm income and expenses are eligible for this program—no prior enrolment or SCIC coverage is required. Eligible producers may receive 100 per cent compensation for damage to commercial agricultural products, as outlined in the Wildlife Damage and Livestock Predation Regulations.

To register a wildlife damage claim, producers can contact their local SCIC office or call 1-888-935-0000.