2nd Moose Killed On Highway In CT On Same Day: DEEP

HARTLAND, CT — Another moose was struck and killed by a vehicle in Connecticut on Wednesday, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

DEEP officials reported that the moose was killed in a crash in Hartland on Wednesday night. It was the third moose fatality of the year in Connecticut from a motor vehicle collision, and the second in Hartland, according to officials.

Connecticut State Police and DEEP’s Environmental Conservation Police responded to the scene of the crash on Route 179 in Hartland around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

No human injuries were reported, according to officials.

Officials said the involved vehicle was drivable and did not require the assistance of a tow truck.

The moose was an approximately 550-pound male and was estimated to be 1-2 years old, according to officials.

Another moose was struck and killed by a vehicle earlier on Wednesday on Route 15 in North Haven.

DEEP was also made aware of a previous Hartland moose fatality, involving approximately 420-pound female on May 10 that involved no other injuries, according to officials.

While Connecticut’s moose population is small (around 100), “moose can pose a serious threat to public safety if they wander onto roadways,” according to officials.

“During this time of year young moose may be dispersing long distances in search of new areas to occupy, making them more of a public safety concern,” officials wrote in an advisory to motorists. “DEEP urges motorists to be aware during this seasonal period of activity to slow down and drive defensively should a large animal, such as a moose, be spotted on or by the road. Because moose are darker in color, stand much higher than deer, and are most active at dusk and dawn, observing reflective eye-shine from headlights is infrequent and, when struck, moose often end up impacting vehicle windshields. When checking the road for moose at night, look higher than you normally would for deer and reduce the speed of your vehicle.

“Data collected from other states indicate that a moose/car collision is 30 times more likely to result in a human fatality than a deer/car collision. All moose, deer, and bear collisions with vehicles should be reported to local, state, or DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Officers. DEEP’s 24-hour Dispatch Center can be reached at 860-424-3333.

"Although usually wary of people, moose can feel threatened and become aggressive. They also may demonstrate unpredictable behavior if they wander into populated areas. Under no circumstances should moose be approached. Although moose may appear to be docile, they should be given the healthy respect that New England’s largest land mammal warrants."

More information is on the DEEP website here.

If you see a moose near a major roadway such as I-91, I-84 or I-95, please report the sighting to DEEP Emergency Dispatch at 860-424-3333. General moose sightings in other areas can be reported to DEEP’s online sighting report database.