10.7.11
New York State Warns Motorists To Be
Alert For Moose In The Adirondacks
Motorists should be especially
alert for moose on roadways in the Adirondacks and
surrounding areas at this time of year, warns the New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Early fall is the breeding season for moose in northern New
York. During this time moose are wandering looking for
mates, leading them to areas where they are not typically
seen. While this improves the opportunities for people to
enjoy sighting of a moose, it also increases the danger of
colliding with one on the roadway.
Moose are much larger and taller than deer. Their large body
causes greater damage, and, when struck, their height often
causes them to impact the windshield of a car or pickup
truck, not just the front of the vehicle. In 2010, three
moose vehicle accidents were reported in New York.
Fortunately, there has not been a human fatality from an
accident with a moose.
Moose are most active at dawn and dusk, which are times of
poor visibility. Moose are especially difficult to see at
night because of their dark brown to black coloring and
their height - which puts their head and much of their body
above vehicle headlights.
DEC advises motorists to take the following precautions to
prevent moose vehicle collisions:
-Use extreme caution when driving at dawn or dusk,
especially during this time of year;
Reduce your speed, stay alert, and watch the roadsides;
-Slow down when approaching
moose standing near the roadside, as they may bolt at the
last minute when a car comes closer, often running into the
road;
-Moose may travel in pairs or small groups, so if a moose is
spotted crossing the road, be alert for others that may
follow;
-Make sure all vehicle occupants wear seatbelts and children
are properly restrained in child safety seats;
-Use flashers or a headlight
signal to warn other drivers when moose are spotted near the
road;
-Motorcyclists should be especially alert for moose;
-If a moose does run 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;
-If a moose is hit and killed
by a vehicle, the motorist should not remove the animal. The
Environmental Conservation Law allows a motorist to keep a
moose, but only following an on-scene police investigation,
and issuance of a permit to possess the dead moose.
DEC continues to work with the New York State Department of
Transportation to identify areas where moose are present
along roads and have warning signs placed in those more
populated areas. DEC estimates that New York has a
population of 500-800 moose, but the moose population
appears to be growing. Over the past couple of decades, the
moose population has mainly increased through moose entering
the state from Vermont and Canada. Now, the increase in
population is mainly due to the birth of moose calves here
in New York.
For more information on moose in New York State, visit the
DEC website at
http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6964.html.
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