Roaming moose and deer pose serious road hazards

Believe it or not, Connecticut’s state animal is the sperm whale. While residents along the shoreline may be out trying to spot them, inlanders need to be on the lookout for moose.

There is a healthy and growing moose population here in the state. That’s the word from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) — followed by an alert to drivers that these large creatures pose a threat on roads.

DEP Commissioner Amey Marrella wrote in a press release, “The presence of moose in Connecticut speaks to the overall health of our environment and the plentiful woodlands in our relatively small state.

“Standing up to 6 feet tall and weighing up to 1,400 pounds, young adult moose frequently wander long distances to establish their own territory. When they move into populated areas and onto busy roadways, moose pose a unique threat to public safety.

“Motorists and their passengers involved in an accident with a moose often suffer serious and even fatal injuries. Although less likely to result in a fatality, accidents involving deer are much more common and can also cause costly property damage and serious injury,†Marrella said.

“DEP urges all drivers to be aware that moose and deer may wander onto Connecticut’s highways. As a result, it is especially important to be alert when driving at dusk and at night when deer and moose are most active.â€

Until recently, moose sightings were rare and Connecticut was not considered moose territory. The occasional “wandering†moose seen here was usually a rogue bull, often agitated and on the run as it sought to establish a territory and a family. There was no evidence that any stuck around.

The most recent moose visit was a large male who seemed to be moving around the Lake Wononscopomuc area of Salisbury.

Thirty years ago, there were only a few sightings reported here per year. In 2009, there were nearly 120. The theory is that, although moose prefer cooler climates and lots of open space, development is shrinking those open spaces. They are forced to expand their overall territory.

The DEP estimates the moose population in Connecticut at 100.

In just the past few weeks, reports were received of sightings in Litchfield and Granby. Calls from numerous eastern Connecticut towns suggest a track of the same moose, who was expected to head at least as far south as I-95.

This past fall, according to the DEP press release there were two non-fatal accidents involving cars hitting moose: one in Danbury in September and one in Windsor in November. In September, DEP officers tranquilized and relocated a moose that was wandering close to I-84 in Southbury.

Local residents might remember that in 2004, a moose was hit on Route 44 about a mile east of the center of Norfolk. No humans were hurt, but the injured moose had to be euthanized.

The DEP requests that anyone observing a moose in urban areas or southern Connecticut contact DEP emergency dispatch at 860-424-3333. All other sightings should be reported to the DEP Wildlife Division by phone at 860-642-7239, by email to Andrew.Labonte@ct.gov, or on the internet at depdata.ct.gov/wildlife/sighting/mooserpt.htm. Information about sightings helps the agency track the size and range of the moose population.

DEP offers the following advice for driving in moose country:

• Stay alert, especially around dawn, dusk and after dark when moose are most active. Because moose are 6 feet tall at the shoulders, car headlights typically will not show any “eye shine†from a moose.

•Use caution in spring (May-July) and fall (September-November). During these months, moose travel greater distances while dispersing and seeking mates.

• Driving within the posted speed limit will lessen the severity of an accident if you do collide with a moose or deer.

• Use high beams whenever possible to improve visibility and always wear your seat belt.