Second Moose Killed In Crash On CT Roadway

A second moose has been hit and killed in Connecticut by a vehicle on the same day.

DEEP officials are warning residents to be on the lookout for moose as the season arrives for them to be out in public areas and roadways.
Photo Credit: *Paul J.Fusco/CT DEEP Wildlife Division*

05/19/2023 9:10 a.m.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) says the moose was killed in Hartford County around 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 17, in Hartland on Route 179.

No injuries were reported in the crash. The moose was an approximately 550-pound male and was estimated to be 1 to 2 years old, DEEP said.

The crash follows a moose fatality from a motor vehicle collision earlier in the day. That incident took place in New Haven County around 6:50 a.m., Wednesday, 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.

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

DEEP was made aware of a previous Hartland moose fatality, an approximately 420-pound female, on Wednesday, May 10, which involved no other injuries, said Paul Copleman, a DEEP spokesman.

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.

"When checking the road for moose at night, look higher than you normally would for deer and reduce the speed of your vehicle," Copleman added.

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.

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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