The DEC is reminding drivers to be on the lookout for moose. Early autumn is the animal’s breeding season, and in the Adirondacks, the sudden uptick in moose activity has already caused multiple accidents over the past week. Not sure what to do if you encounter a moose? Read on for important tips to keep in mind on your next drive.
Staying Safe this Season
Each year, thousands of visitors come to the Adirondack Park to experience the stunning display of fall foliage. And according to the DEC, fall is also the time that moose are “wandering looking for mates, leading them to areas where they are not typically seen.” While a moose in the Adirondacks is certainly a majestic sight, the animals can create a hazard when they roam too close to the road.
So how can you avoid an accident? The DEC advises motorists to keep the following tips in mind:
- Stay alert when driving at dawn or dusk, especially during September and October,
- Reduce your speed and watch the roadsides,
- Slow down when approaching moose standing near the roadside; they have been known to run into the road at the last minute,
- If you see a moose by the road, remember that others could be nearby,
- Keep seatbelts buckled and make sure small children are properly restrained in safety seats,
- Use flashers or a headlight signal to warn other drivers of a moose,
- Motorcyclists should drive with extra caution,
- If a moose runs in front of your vehicle, brake firmly but do not swerve; swerving can cause a vehicle-vehicle collision or cause the vehicle to hit a fixed object such as a tree or pole,
- And if you should hit and kill the moose, do not remove the animal unless a permit is obtained from the investigating officer at the scene of the crash.
Moose are larger and taller than deer, with much of their body standing above vehicle headlights. This makes them both hard to spot and extremely dangerous when struck. According to New York Upstate, it’s common that they not only hit the front of the car, but the windshield as well. Last weekend, three moose-vehicle accidents were reported in the Adirondack Park, each resulting in the death of the moose.
Hunters and hikers should also remember to maintain a safe distance from any wildlife they encounter. Animals like bears and moose have become aggressive towards humans, especially when protecting their young.
For more information, be sure to visit the DEC online at dec.ny.gov.
Learn more about moose in the region »
Check our Adirondack Wildlife Guide »
Sources:
- Department of Environmental Conservation
- New York Upstate — Three moose/motor vehicle collisions reported in Adirondacks this past weekend
