Crime & Safety

Moose Takes a Hike Through Vernon

The animal was last seen walking the Rail Trail.

Vernon is known for its hiking trails, but a moose apparently has decided to see for itself. 

Early Thursday morning, Vernon police sent out an emergency alert message indicating that an adult Moose had been spotted at a busy intersection in Vernon Center - near Hartford Turnpike and Bolton and Center roads.
 
Police immediately went out to look for the moose because the area is full of walkers to Center Road School and Vernon Center Middle School each day.

The Moose was not located, Lt. John Kelley said. Animal control officers were on standby just in case the moose is seen again, he said. 

Kelley said the Moose apparently made its way down Hartford Turnpike to the area near Sacred Heart Church, then entered the Rails to Trails system and was headed toward Manchester. 

Still, he urged residents to keep their children close by and animals on leashes when walking in the area on Thursday. 

"Do not approach this animal, take no action yourself … It may act aggressively if cornered or is protecting its young," police said.


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