Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Press Releases

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05/17/2023

Moose Struck by Motor Vehicle on Rt 15

(HARTFORD) – The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is involved in responding to a report of a motor vehicle hitting a moose on northbound Route 15 in the vicinity of Exit 63 in North Haven around 7 a.m. this morning.

Connecticut State Police, the Department of Transportation, and DEEP’s EnCon Police are all part of the response at this time.

The moose has died, and the vehicle that struck the moose is not on scene. The DOT has removed the moose from the scene, and DEEP’s Wildlife Division will be examining the moose. DEEP suspects this moose is likely the one that was reported in the Watertown/Waterbury area recently. 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: 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.
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Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110