Community Corner

Watch Out for Deer and Moose this Fall

Motorists advised to be watchful of increased deer and moose activity.

With the onset of the fall breeding seasons for both white-tailed deer and moose, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division reminds motorists to be watchful of increased deer and moose activity, especially during early morning and evening hours.

September through October is the peak of the breeding season for Connecticut's small but expanding moose population, whereas the breeding season (also known as "the rut") for white-tailed deer extends from late October through December.

“In 2010, approximately 7,500 deer were killed in the state as a result of collisions with vehicles and the associated vehicle insurance claim losses were substantial," Rick Jacobson, Director of DEEP’s Wildlife Division, said in a press release. "A total of 24 moose-vehicle accidents were reported in Connecticut between 1995 and 2010, with an average of two per year since 2002. This is a troubling statistic given that moose-vehicle accidents are expected to increase as the moose population expands.”

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Based on observations of adult moose with calves, DEEP wildlife experts believe moose have become year-round residents in Connecticut with an estimated population of about 100 in 2010. Most moose are found in the northwest and northeast corners of the state. As the population grows, however, the population spreads out and young moose that are dispersing into new territories during spring have been known to travel greater than five miles per day and sometimes as far as 80 miles in a month. This means moose will continue to expand southward into populated areas where vehicle traffic density is much higher. As a result, the likelihood of hitting a moose on Connecticut roadways is expected to increase in southern portions of the state.

Motorists are advised to be vigilant in areas posted with deer crossing signs, and to slow down and drive defensively should a deer or moose be spotted on or near the roadway. Although both pose a risk of injury or death should an accident occur, moose, with their darker color and much taller stance, are particularly difficult to see at night and, once struck, are more likely to collapse through the vehicle windshield.

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All moose and deer vehicle collisions should be reported to local, state or DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Officers (860-424-3333). Additionally, residents throughout the state are encouraged to report moose sightings on the DEEP Web site at www.ct.gov/deep/hunting.

To view some facts about moose, click here. To view some facts about white-tailed deer, click here.

 

Information contained in this article compiled from state DEEP press releases and the ct.gov/dep Web site.


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