Mating Season For Moose, Deer Means Danger On MA Roads: DFW

WORCESTER, MA — There are plenty of road hazards in New England during the autumn months, like slippery leaves and earlier sunsets and later sunrises.

Also, 800-pound bull moose looking for mates.

State wildlife officials are warning drivers across the state to be on the lookout for increased deer and moose activity near roadways. Both species mate in late fall and early winter.

Moose are the bigger danger. Because they're so tall, driving into a moose can send them toppling into the passenger compartment. Their mating season also typically ends in October.

"The dark color and height of moose make them difficult to see in low light; moose eyes rarely shine like deer eyes because their eyes are above headlight level," the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife said in a Sept. 30 bulletin about mating season. "In addition, long legs and heavy top bodies make moose very dangerous to motorists when struck."

Luckily, moose are a bit rarer in Massachusetts, typically only seen in the central and western parts of the state. But, moose have been known to appear in urban areas.

The deer mating season typically starts in Massachusetts in October, peaks in early November and can last into December, according to wildlife officials. Deer are smaller than moose, but more abundant.

In 2020, AAA counted more than 1,400 deer-car collisions in Massachusetts. About 80 percent of the crashes happened during nighttime hours. The most collisions happened in Worcester, Bristol and Plymouth counties.

State officials advise drivers not to swerve if you're on a collision course with a deer. It's better to try to stop, and use your horn to scare deer off the roadway.

"Observe road signs for moose and deer crossings and slow down. Do not swerve to avoid hitting a deer because it may lead to more risk and damage than hitting the deer," DFW says.

If you do collide with a deer or a moose, report the incident to state Environmental Police by calling 1-800-632-8075.