Moose Struck, Killed By Car On Route 15 In North Haven

Days after state officials put out warning for drivers to be on the lookout for moose along the state's highways, one was hit and killed by a vehicle.

A moose was hit and killed on a busy CT highway.
Photo Credit: *Paul Fusco/DEEP/Google Maps street view*

Kathy Reakes

05/17/2023 11:00 a.m.

The incident took place in New Haven County around 6:50 a.m., Wednesday, May 17 in North Haven on northbound Route 15 -- known as the Wilbur Cross Parkway -- near exit 63, said the Connecticut State Police.

The driver of the vehicle was not injured but the moose was killed, state police said.

The Department of Transportation removed the moose from the scene, and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Wildlife Division will be examining the moose, said Paul Copleman, a spokesman for DEEP.

"DEEP suspects this moose is likely the one that was reported in the Watertown/Waterbury area recently," Copleman said.

Last reports had it moving in a direction that could place it at this location, he added.

The most recent moose sighting near major roadways prompted DEEP warnings on Friday, May 12 to motorists.

Though Connecticut’s moose population is small (about 100 individuals), moose can pose a serious threat to public safety if they wander onto roadways, Copleman said.

"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," he added.

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, DEEP said.

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 13 times more likely to result in a human fatality than a deer/car collision, DEEP said.

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.

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