Environment DEC
From the October 2008 issue
DEC Warns Motorists to be Alert for Moose in the Adirondacks
Motorists should be alert for moose on roadways in the Adirondacks and surrounding areas at this time of year-a peak of moose activity. Early fall is the breeding season for moose in northern New York, and as they wander looking for mates, they may end up in areas where they are not typically seen. While this improves opportunities for people to enjoy sightings of moose, it also increases the danger of colliding with one on the roadway.
NY Now Has Native Population
DEC estimates that New York has a population of about 500 moose in the Adirondacks and surrounding areas. Over the past couple of decades, the moose population has increased. At first the increase was mainly animals entering the state from Vermont and Canada. The current increase in population is mainly due to the birth of moose calves here in New York.
Moose are much larger and taller than deer. In collisions, their large bodies cause greater damage to vehicles, and their height often causes them to impact the windshield of a car or pickup truck, not just the front of the vehicle. Last year, 10 moose-vehicle accidents were reported in New York. However, there has not been a human fatality from an accident with a moose-a record DEC hopes to retain.
Moose Encounter: What to Do
If you see a moose on the roadside, slow down. If it is crossing, be alert for others that may follow.
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 September and October.
- 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 unless a permit is obtained from the investigating officer at the scene of the accident.
Population Trending Upward
DEC expects the moose population to increase rapidly over the next decade. Drivers will likely be encountering moose on the roadway and need to become accustomed to practices that will help avoid collisions. DEC continues to work with the NYS Department of Transportation to identify and place signs in areas where moose are present along roads. See DEC's Moose web page for more information.
