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Entries Tagged as 'moose'

DEC Warns Motorists to be Alert for Moose in the Adirondacks

September 19th, 2014 · No Comments · Adirondack News

NYSDEC LogoMotorists should be alert for moose on roadways in the Adirondacks and surrounding areas at this time of year – a peak of moose activity – 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.

MooseMoose 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. Last year ten 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 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.

More information about moose can be found on the DEC website.

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Moose at Shingle Shanty

December 20th, 2012 · 1 Comment · Adirondack Life

(via Shingle Shanty Preserve and Research Station)

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Bull Moose vs. Car

April 30th, 2009 · 5 Comments · News

I’m sure all my attentive “followers” noted this item:

Moose vs. Car Tweet

So, a guy I know (hard not to know everyone around here) was coming back from Bingo at Akwesasne last Sunday night.  Apparently it is a regular thing for he and his wife – huh, I would have never guessed.  Anyway, they were heading South on Route 374 and at the hilly, windy section missed hitting a moose by inches.  Being the kind of guy that he is, he immediately turned around to warn off any approaching motorists.  Too late, the next car hit the moose head-on at speed.  I heard it was a kid driving with Grandma.


View Bull Moose vs. Car in a larger map

I inquired about this and got the following confirmation from NYS DEC:

The moose was hit at approximately 1:28am, west of Sunset Rd between Merrill and Lyon Mountain.  The 900 lb bull moose was killed by the impact.  The car received extensive damage and the driver had minor injuries – complaints of head pains – but was not transported to the hospital.  This has been the first moose-vehicle colision in the area this year, and the last accident was almost a year ago.

On a side note, I almost got creamed several times yesterday on my bike by BAD DRIVERS.  Best to slow down and take things easy.

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