WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — As mating season gets underway for moose, drivers traveling through Connecticut are asked to be cautious of moose near the roadways.
The reminder from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) comes after a moose was spotted off of Interstate 91 near Exit 40 in Windsor Locks on Tuesday evening.
Moose are more active this time of year to seek new territory to occupy, which makes them more of a public safety concern, according to DEEP. The moose mating, or "rutting," season also started in September.
A car collision involving a moose is 13 times more likely to end in a human death than a crash involving a deer, according to data collected from other states. On impact, moose often end up hitting the windshields, according to DEEP.
Drivers are urged to slow down and look higher than one would when looking for deer since moose stand higher.
Moose are most active at dusk and dawn. It's also infrequent to see the reflection of their eyes from headlights.
DEEP discourages people from approaching a moose since they can become aggressive and behave unpredictably in populated areas.
All collisions with moose, deer and bears are asked to be reported to local, state or DEEP Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) officers. Moose sightings near a major highway should also be reported to DEEP EnCon. DEEP's 24-hour dispatch can be reached at 860-424-3333.
To report a general moose sighting to DEEP, visit this survey site.
For general information on moose in Connecticut, click here.
The moose population in Connecticut is small, and there are about 100 individuals in the moose population. Coincidentally, there have been around 100 moose sightings reported in Connecticut so far this season. Click here for an interactive map that shows sighting reports in Connecticut for moose, bears and bobcats.
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