The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is reminding drivers to watch out for deer and moose on the roads as we move into their breeding season.
Fall is peak breeding season for moose, and breeding season for white-tailed deer runs from October through late December.
Drivers should pay attention to “deer crossing” signs along the highway and keep an eye when driving through wooded areas, particularly during early morning and evening hours.
DEEP officials said approximately 3,700 deer were killed in crashes in 2016, and there have been an average of two moose-involved accidents per year since 2002. There have already been two moose-involved crashes this September.
Because of their height, moose often wind up hitting windshields when hit by cars. Drivers are advised to slow down if they see a moose or deer by or on the road. Moose-involved accidents are more likely than deer-related crashes to cause injury to humans.
All moose and deer vehicle crashes should be reported to local, state, or DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Officers (860-424-3333).
