Ever Seen a Moose in East Hampton or Portland?

The way moose sightings are in Connecticut lately, it appears the animals do not like hanging out in East Hampton or Portland.

“Most sightings have been in the northwest region of the state, although moose have been seen as far south as Guilford, East Lyme and Essex,” according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Nevertheless, the DEEP is reminding all Connecticut residents that moose mating season is here. Peak breeding season runs from September through October.

Because moose are taller than deer, that makes it harder for drivers to see the reflection of headlights in the eyes of the animal, the DEEP said in a press release. Their coat is also darker and harder to see at night.

All moose and deer vehicle collisions should be reported to local, state, or DEEP Environmental Conservation Police officers at 860-424-3333.

The photo you see attached to the article was taken by Granby, Conn. resident Tony Mathews. Seen a moose too? Click here to report a sighting.

“My daughter Sandy wanted to go outside and when she opened the door from the house into the garage, the moose was standing at the garage door,” he told Patch. “My daughter ran back into house and yelled, ’Mom, Dad, there’s a deer by the back of the van’!”

The parents ran to the window and both yelled, “That’s a moose!” Grabbing his camera, Mathews followed the moose up the driveway to a nearby street.

“Timing is everything,” he said. As the moose walked onto the street, he made a noise and the moose turned to him, allowing him to capture the incredible shot pictured.

“It was my daughter’s birthday on Saturday, one we will never forget,” Mathews said.

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Wendy Ann Mitchell (Patch Staff) contributed to this article. The photo was taken by Tony Mathews.