DEEP: Watch for Increased Moose, Deer Activity

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is reminding motorists that it's the season for wandering moose and deer.

With the onset of the fall breeding seasons for both white-tailed deer and moose, officials from the DEEP's Wildlife Division said to expect increased deer and moose activity along roadways, especially during early morning and evening hours. 

September through October is the peak of the breeding season for Connecticut's small but expanding moose population, the DEEP said in a release.

The breeding season (also known as "the rut") for white-tailed deer extends from late October through December, according to the DEEP.

Rick Jacobson, Director of DEEP’s Wildlife Division said that in 2010, approximately 7,500 deer were killed in the state as a result of collisions with vehicles and the associated vehicle insurance claim losses were "substantial." 

A total of 24 moose-vehicle accidents were reported in Connecticut between 1995 and 2010, with an average of two per year since 2002, he said. 

"This is a troubling statistic given that moose-vehicle accidents are expected to increase as the moose population expands,” Jacobson said.

DEEP officials are advising motorists to be vigilant in areas posted with deer crossing signs, and to slow down and drive defensively should a deer or moose be spotted on or near the roadway.

Although both pose a risk of injury or death should an accident occur, moose, with their darker color and much taller stance, are particularly difficult to see at night and, once struck, are more likely to collapse through the vehicle windshield, DEEP officials said. 

All moose and deer vehicle collisions should be reported to local, state, or DEEP environmental conservation police officers (860-424-3333). Residents are encouraged to report moose sightings on the DEEP Web site at www.ct.gov/deep/hunting.