Two Moose Wander Into Worcester, Meet Very Different Fates

WORCESTER, MA — Two moose made it to the big city this week, but only one made it out alive.

On Monday, Massachusetts Environmental Police responded to St. John's Cemetery in Worcester on a report of a 600-pound moose roaming around. With help from Worcester police and Division of Fisheries and Wildlife personnel, the moose was tranquilized and moved back into a rural area, environmental police said.

But later in the day, a second moose met a different fate.

A young bull, thought to be about 3-1/2, was hit by as many as two cars along Stafford Street, according to the Telegram and Gazette. The moose suffered compound fractures in its legs and had to be euthanized when it was found Tuesday, the paper reported.

Moose were rare in the Commonwealth for many years. But populations began recovering in the 1980s, and the animals now can be found throughout western and central parts of the state, according to Fisheries and Wildlife.

Fall is moose breeding season, which means the animals are more active, and they sometimes follow waterways into urban areas, according to wildlife officials. Whether in a car or on foot, it's best to keep your distance — moose are big, and they can get aggressive if they feel threatened.

If you're lucky enough to see a moose in Worcester or beyond, contact Environmental Police by calling (800) 632-8075.