Moose In Connecticut:

Love ‘Em And Lose ‘Em

By Kendra Bobowick

An attempt to sedate a moose October 7 had become impossible, said Colonel Eric Nelson with the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) conservation police. Quietly, he recalled the morning his team had traveled to Waterbury where a moose had wandered near Interstate 84.

“Our tranquilizing unit was on the way,” he said. Hopes to sedate the animal vanished when the moose jumped a fence and dropped down toward the highway. Its steps likely stitched a path of heart-shape footprints across the ground before the animal wandered too close to traffic.

“Had we gotten there in time, we would have tried,” Col Nelson said.

The moose swiftly became the third killed in Connecticut since a New Hampshire woman struck the first while traveling on the Merritt Parkway June 5. Authorities shot a second animal on October 3 that had been seen days earlier in Newtown and tracked to Fairfield. Colonel Nelson said, “It was about to go across the Merritt [Parkway] close to where the other one was…” His primary concern was human safety. From the tree line bordering the narrow Merritt Parkway, the distance to the pavement is short. Drivers would have only seconds to see and react to a moose stepping into their travel lane, said Col Nelson.

“People in Connecticut are not used to seeing moose,” he said.

Although the state’s moose population is between an estimated 100 and 150, some tread too close to highways. DEP Wildlife Biologist Howard Kilpatrick said, “There are times when they present public safety problems.” Moose can be sedated and transported to a safer area of Connecticut until they present a safety hazard, Mr Kilpatrick said.

The argument is difficult, but simple.

“I would rather have to explain why we shot a moose than explain [human] injuries or fatalities,” Col Nelson said. “It’s purely a public safety decision.” He does not like the choice, however. “We don’t want to kill moose in Connecticut,” he said.

The animals and automobiles are a dangerous mix for several reasons. Tall and heavy, a male bull moose can weigh more than 1,000 pounds. Dark bodies and gray legs also help a moose blend into the road, especially in the dark, Mr Kilpatrick said.

Col Nelson summarized the problem: “The animal is designed perfectly to go through the windshield of a car.” Connecticut Wildlife Rehabilitator’s Association member and Ansonia Nature Center ranger Dawn Sotir said injured moose could thrash. “There are incidents where a person’s jugular has been severed.”

A network of people “weigh the merits” case-by-case for handling a moose, Col Nelson said. Information is fed through the DEP’s wildlife division and into his office, which works with local law enforcement.

Will authorities continue to kill moose? “There is no line drawn in the sand,” Col Nelson said. “We’ll watch progress and hopefully the moose will go to a less populated area. If not, we may look for the animal and try moving it.” He looks to Connecticut locations, since other states are not inclined to welcome this state’s wildlife. “They have their own,” Col Nelson said.

 

                                                  Is It Safe To Come Out?

Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason had been with DEP officials in Newtown on October 2 searching for the moose that was shot in Fairfield the next day. “I wish there was a better way,” Ms Mason said. “It’s too bad it has to be this way.”

Underlining the strain in her voice, she said, “It’s sad.” Admitting that she feels sorry for the wildlife, she said, “They have to live in our society, they have just as much right being here.” Their numbers may be growing.

“Certain species of wildlife in Connecticut are making a comeback,” said Ms Sotir. Newtown has seen its share of the reemerging species. In past months a black bear caused concern for drivers traveling on Currituck Road, two people thought they saw mountain lions in the last year, and most recently a moose was photographed standing in a backyard.

This state is again beginning to see moose. “It’s almost encouraging to see them return, but also discouraging,” Ms Sotir said. Moose and people have clashed three times since June 5. “The wildlife pays with its life, that’s the sad part,” she stressed.

Ms Sotir feels open space may be part of the answer to protecting moose and other creatures. “We need to stop segmenting their territories so they can migrate.” Keep the wildlife in mind, she advised. “They have to have a place too,” she said.

Mr Kilpatrick suspects that some of the state’s moose have roamed from elsewhere.

Unlike Maine and other northern states where moose signs and warnings are posted along the roads, Connecticut does not have such signs. Also unlike other states, Connecticut’s moose population does not warrant hunting, which would help reduce the numbers. Hoping to help motorists Mr Kilpatrick said, “Certainly, slow down. Stay alert.” Moose tend to be more active during the dawn and dusk hours.

Learn more about moose and their habits at the DEP website, ct.gov/dep, or visit mooseworld.com.