Moose Mythbuster: How Close is Too Close?

By Jessie Sawyer

It's not everyday you hear about a moose sighting. But according to state DEEP Wildlife Biologist Andrew LaBonte, who tracks the moose population in Connecticut, it's the one of the most likely times of year to see a moose in the state and at least one has been spotted this season in the Farmington Valley.

So Patch asked Labonte for some safety tips about moose for the people hoping to see one and the motorists who may come across one. We've heard a lot of myths about moose, so Labonte clarified the facts for us.

Will a Moose Charge at People?

While Bullwinkle, a moose we're all familiar with from our cartoon-watching days, is friendly, are moose in the wild actually dangerous? What should you do when you stumble across a moose and is getting too close a risk? 

"Caution should always be used around any animal due to their unpredictability, but especially moose due to their size," LaBonte said. "They aren’t overly aggressive animals except during the breeding season or if a cow has a young calf."

Why Did the Moose Cross the Road? 

Given that some recent moose sightings have been on roads, when should drivers be most careful and expect to see them?

Labonte urges motors to drive cautiously "during dusk and dawn in May and June when moose are often most active" and in September and October during the height of moose breeding season when "animals roam to find mates."

"During this time of year young moose are dispersing from where they were born to find their own territory and often wander great distances," Labonte said. 

When I See a Moose in the Road, What Do I Do?

The first documented car versus moose accident in Connecticut happened in 1995, according to DEEP's website. As of 2007, DEEP's Wildlife Division reported about 19 car accidents in the state involving moose. 

"Most of the time, by the time you see a moose in the road it’s too late," LaBonte said. "Due to their dark coloration and height they are often difficult to see."

So, if a moose runs out into the road, what do you do? We'd heard rumors that if hitting a moose is unavoidable, you should accelerate so that it doesn't go through the windshield upon impact. Not quite so, says LaBonte. But he doesn't advise slamming on the brakes either.

"If you do see one, it’s not recommended you brake heavily as it will make the front end of your car drop lower increasing the likelihood it ends up in your windshield," LaBonte said. "I wouldn’t recommend accelerating either, but applying brakes lightly."

What other moose questions and fun facts do you have? Have you seen a moose in the area recently? Tell us in the comments! And if you took a picture, please consider sending it for publication to Jessie.Sawyer@patch.com.