Press Releases
09/05/2025
DEEP Advises Motorists to Watch for Deer and Moose Along Roadways
Hazard Highest During Early Morning and Evening Hours
(HARTFORD) — Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds motorists to be aware of the potential for increased deer and moose activity along roadways during fall months, especially during early morning and evening hours. September through October is peak breeding season for Connecticut's small moose population, which mainly resides in the northern part of the state. The breeding season (also known as "the rut") for white-tailed deer runs from late October through late December. Moose and deer are particularly active during the breeding season and are therefore more likely to attempt road crossings at this time of year.
DEEP cautions motorists to be aware of and heed “Deer Crossing” signs which are placed in areas along state highways where multiple animals have been struck in the past. Motorists are advised to slow down and drive defensively should a deer or moose be spotted on or by the road. Because moose are taller than deer, drivers may not see their eyes reflect in headlights, making moose harder to spot on the road at night. This fact, coupled with the dark coloration of moose, makes it imperative for drivers to be alert and cautious when driving at night in areas where moose are known to live. When struck, moose often end up impacting the windshield of vehicles, making moose vehicle strikes particularly hazardous. All moose and deer vehicle collisions should be reported to local, state, or DEEP Environmental Conservation police officers (24-hour DEEP Dispatch Center phone number: 860-424-3333).
“Connecticut is unique because we are a densely populated state, and we have robust and healthy wildlife populations. This is the result of decades of conservation work by DEEP’s Wildlife Division and our nonprofit partners, who protect and restore habitats across the state,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Our goal is to help residents coexist safely with wildlife—through education, awareness, and practical steps to minimize conflicts—so that both people and animals can continue to share our state safely.”
“Deer and moose typically do not pose a danger to humans, but drivers should be mindful and take appropriate precautions when traveling in areas where deer and moose are known to frequently attempt road crossings,” said DEEP Wildlife Division Director Jenny Dickson. “Fifty-six moose-vehicle accidents were reported in Connecticut between 1995 and 2023, with an average of two per year since 2002. The large size of these magnificent animals unfortunately makes moose-vehicle collisions particularly hazardous.”
Moose most commonly are found in northern Connecticut due to the favorable habitat present in that part of the state, but moose occasionally venture south into other portions of the state. Residents throughout the state are encouraged to report moose sightings on the DEEP website.
Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Wildlife Division reminds motorists to be watchful of increased deer and moose activity along roadways, especially during early morning and evening hours.
Photo Credit: Paul J. Fusco / CT DEEP-Wildlife
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110