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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced on Tuesday, Sept. 27, that motorists should use caution due to the increase in sightings.
"Recent sightings of moose in Woodbury, Southbury, Danbury, Newtown, and New Fairfield, though believed to be the same moose, serve as an important reminder for motorists to be aware that increased moose activity near roadways can pose a hazard," DEEP said.
Officials said the state's moose population is small, but moose can still pose a threat to public safety when they walk onto roads.
Moose are also more active and travel further distances during the fall breeding season, officials added.
"DEEP urges motorists to be aware during these seasonal periods of activity and slow down and drive defensively should a large animal, such as a moose, be spotted on or by the road," DEEP said.
State officials said motorists should slow down and check for moose by looking higher than they normally would for deer.
Moose can also become aggressive when they feel threatened, and they can demonstrate unpredictable behavior when they wander into populated areas, DEEP said.
"Under no circumstances should moose be approached," officials said. "Although moose may appear to be docile, they should be given the healthy respect that New England’s largest land mammal warrants."
Moose sightings can be reported to the DEEP Wildlife Division here.
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