Wild Moose Spotted In Winchester; Police Ask Public To Stay Away

WINCHESTER, CT — A wild moose has been sighted in Winchester, according to a police department Facebook post. Police are warning the public to keep their distance from the creature.

"If you love nature, leave it alone," police wrote. "We have been receiving continued complaints regarding the wild moose and people approaching and crowding the area. It is nice to have such a celebrity in our town, but again we must advise everyone to stay away.

"The wild moose, while usually a docile creature, can be deadly when they feel threatened. An animal that has the potential to weigh over 1,000 pounds, can charge at you at speeds up to 40 miles per hour will cause significant injury or death."

Police said it's believed that the wild moose is pregnant, which would make her more territorial and dangerous. The moose is expected to remain in the area until May or June, until the calf is born.

"If the moose experiences continued heightened stress, she may abort the fetus she is carrying," police wrote. "If the moose cannot be respected, officials have limited response options, and the moose potentially will be euthanized.

"We would love to have such exotic wildlife thrive in our community. Please do not create a situation where the moose or the public is endangered and stay away."

Police said that they have been notified that people have been parking on and walking across a two-way, 45 mile per hour highway.

"If someone gets hit, or the moose enters the highway to escape the people harassing her, it will result in a potentially serious or fatal car accident," police wrote. "We will be establishing barriers to better protect the moose, and enforcement will be taken in the future if our wildlife cannot be respected."