Moose Struck, Killed By Vehicle On Route 15 In North Haven

NORTH HAVEN, CT — A moose was struck and killed by a vehicle on Route 15 in North Haven on Wednesday morning, according to officials.

The crash happened around 7 a.m. near Exit 63 on Route 15 North, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Connecticut State Police, the state Department of Transportation, and DEEP’s EnCon Police were all part of the response.

The driver wasn’t injured, but the vehicle was damaged and the windshield shattered, according to FOX 61.

The DOT removed the moose from the scene, and DEEP’s Wildlife Division will be examining the moose, according to a news release.

“DEEP suspects this moose is likely the one that was reported in the Watertown/Waterbury area recently,” officials wrote in the news release. “Last reports had it moving in a direction that could place it at this location.”

The most recent moose sighting near major roadways prompted DEEP warnings on May 12 and April 13.

While Connecticut’s moose population is small (around 100), “moose can pose a serious threat to public safety if they wander onto roadways,” according to officials.

“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,” officials wrote in an advisory to motorists. “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.

“Data collected from other states indicate that a moose/car collision is 30 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.

"Although usually wary of people, moose can feel threatened and become aggressive. They also may demonstrate unpredictable behavior if they wander into populated areas. Under no circumstances should moose be approached. Although moose may appear to be docile, they should be given the healthy respect that New England’s largest land mammal warrants."

More information is on the DEEP website here

If you see a moose near a major roadway such as I-91, I-84 or I-95, please report the sighting to DEEP Emergency Dispatch at 860-424-3333. General moose sightings in other areas can be reported to DEEP’s online sighting report database.