Moose warnings for motorists renewed as sightings reported near I-84
A press release from The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) suggests a moose "has been spotted in the area of Routes 63 and 73 in Watertown, within five miles of Interstate 84 and Route 8."
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Motorists who use I-84, or who travel in the Watertown area, are being reminded to keep their eyes peeled for a moose that's been spotted nearby.
A press release from The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) suggests the moose "has been spotted in the area of Routes 63 and 73 in Watertown, within five miles of Interstate 84 and Route 8."
While DEEP officials acknowledge the state's moose population may be small (approximately 100 individuals), they pose a significant threat to public safety.
"During this time of year young moose may be dispersing long distances in search of new areas to occupy, making them more of a public safety concern," the release continues.
Because moose are so much taller than deer, their eyes do not reflect the shine from car headlights in the same way that a deer might.
Motorists are urged to drive defensively, and to look slightly higher than you normally would for deer.
According to data collected from other states, officials say "a moose/car collision is 30 times more likely to result in a human fatality than a deer/car collision."
