Press Releases
05/18/2023
Moose Struck and Killed by Motor Vehicle in Hartland
(HARTFORD, CT) – The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reporting that a moose was killed in a motor vehicle collision in Hartland last night. It is the 3rd moose fatality of the year in Connecticut from a motor vehicle collision, and the 2nd in Hartland. The Connecticut State Police and DEEP’s Environmental Conservation Police responded to the scene of the accident on Rt. 179 at approximately 8:30 last night.
No injuries were reported. The involved vehicle was drivable and did not require the assistance of a tow-truck. The moose was an approximately 550-pound male and was estimated to be 1-2 years old.
This incident follows a moose fatality from a motor vehicle collision earlier in the day yesterday in North Haven: Moose Struck by Motor Vehicle on Rt 15 (ct.gov). DEEP was made aware of a previous Hartland moose fatality, an approximately 420-pound female, on May 10, which involved no other injuries.
The most recent moose sighting near major roadways prompted DEEP warnings on May 12: DEEP Advises Motorists to Watch for Moose (ct.gov), and April 13: DEEP Advises Motorists to Watch for Moose (ct.gov).
Though Connecticut’s moose population is small (about 100 individuals), moose can pose a serious threat to public safety if they wander onto roadways. 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.
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 13 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: Moose (ct.gov)
If you see a moose in close proximity to 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.- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110