DEEP Warning CT Drivers About Increased Moose, Deer Activity

CONNECTICUT — It's that time of year for increased moose and deer activity near the state's roadways, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection warned Tuesday.

DEEP officials said the warning is especially in effect during early morning and evening hours.

May and June mark the birthing period for deer and moose, DEEP officials said. Although Connecticut's moose population mainly resides in the northwestern part of the state, the animals can also be seen in eastern Connecticut.

Last year's offspring are also "dispersing" from their mothers to seek out their own habitat, DEEP officials said.

Officials from the DEEP’s Wildlife Division are urging motorists to be aware of the season and to slow down and drive defensively should a large animal like a deer, moose, or even a black bear, be spotted on or near the road.

Because moose are darker in color and stand much higher than deer, observing reflective eye-shine from headlights is infrequent and, when struck, moose often end up smashing a windshield, DEEP officials said.

When checking the road for moose at night, drivers should look higher than usual.

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.

"A recent vehicle accident involving a moose in Goshen sent a driver and two passengers to the hospital," said Andrew LaBonte, a Deer and Moose biologist for the DEEP's Wildlife Division. "Moose sightings have recently been reported in the Storrs/Mansfield area, as well as in Ashford, and motorists are advised to drive with caution along Routes 32 and 44 and near Mirror Lake on Route 195,” said Andrew LaBonte, Deer and Moose biologist for the DEEP Wildlife Division."

More than 40 moose-versus-vehicle accidents have been reported in Connecticut between 1995 and 2021, with an average of two per year since 2002 LaBonte said.

Most of Connecticut is not considered ideal habitat for moose because the state’s landscape is fragmented, roadways have high traffic volume, and moose have large home ranges of approximately 10-to-15 square miles, according to the DEEP.

Residents throughout the state are encouraged to report moose sightings on the DEEP website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Report-a-Wildlife-Sighting.