Vermont Drivers: Be Alert to Avoid Moose on the Highway

April 15, 2008 -- Waterbury, VT – Drivers need to be alert and cautious because moose are on the move, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. Moose are more likely to be crossing roadways at this time, especially after dark or early in the morning as they move from wintering areas to spring feeding locations.

Moose: Photo by Steve Wall (CC)

More moose are hit by motorists in May and June than at any other time of the year. There is smaller peak of activity in September and October, the breeding season for moose.

“A total of 237 moose were hit by motor vehicles on Vermont highways during 2007,” said Col. Robert Rooks of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. “We are asking drivers to be especially careful and for people to enjoy watching moose from a distance. They can be unpredictable and dangerous if you get too close and they feel cornered or get irritated.”

“Moose have been frequenting populated areas recently, including the Burlington area,” added Rooks. “Please keep a safe distance away from any moose you may see.”

Moose are a threat to motorists, but there are measures you can take to avoid hitting them, according to Fish & Wildlife:

-Always be aware of the danger moose cross the road randomly, as well as at their regular crossings.

-Increase your roadside awareness and reduce your speed when you see MOOSE CROSSING signs along the highway. When on secondary roads, the recommended speed is 40 mph or less in these moose crossing areas.

-Drive defensively and don't overdrive your headlights. Moose are more active at night and early morning hours, and they are difficult to see because of their dark color.

-If you see a moose ahead, slow down or stop. Trying to speed

past them "before they can move" can be a serious mistake.

Vermont highway sections most frequented by moose:

-Rt.105 from Island Pond to Bloomfield.

-Rt.114 from East Burke to Canaan.

-Rt.2 from Lunenberg to East St. Johnsbury.

-Interstate 91 at Sheffield Heights.

-Interstate 89 from Bolton to Montpelier.

-Rt. 12 from Worcester to Elmore.

-Rt 118 near Belvidere Corners and the Rt. 109 intersection.

Fifteen people have died in motor vehicle collisions with moose on Vermont highways since 1985. In 2007, a man from Barre died on Interstate 89 after hitting a moose and careening into ledges, and a man from Lincoln died when he hit a moose with his motorcycle on Route 100 in Granville.

Source: Vermont Agency of Natural Resources

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