Moose awareness information

by Colleen Curley

Part of what makes visiting New Hampshire fun is seeing wildlife, however wildlife can also pose danger especially on the roadways.

Important numbers/facts:

• There are over 150 moose accidents in New Hampshire every year. . Moose accidents can result in head and neck injuries or death to drivers and passengers.
• There are 4,500 moose living in New Hampshire today.
• The average moose weighs 1,000 pounds and stands 6 feet tall at the shoulder.
• Food is the biggest factor that moves moose. They are browsing mammals that feed on leaves and twigs. A main food source is aquatic vegetation which why wetlands are considered high risk areas for moose accidents.
• Moose like all wildlife are unpredictable.

Why do moose and vehicle collisions occur?

• Moose are very active during dawn and dusk; drivers are not expecting to see them.
• Moose are extremely hard to see at night. Even with headlights on, moose legs are the same color as pavement.
• Do not count on seeing “eye shine,” moose eyes do reflect light but car headlights will not reach their eyes.
• Moose lick the left over road salt off the sides of roads.
• Moose will stand their ground in the face of danger because of their size. Therefore, when a car is coming moose do not leap out of the way.

Time Frame/ what is considered “moose season”?

• Moose are most active from April- November. Although moose related care accidents do happen in winter months. Moose conserve energy in the winter months, and do not travel long distances. In the winter moose feed on tree buds and bark
• Come April moose NEED salt, therefore they go searching for sodium-rich water plants. Moose also visit wetlands to escape flees, and insects; also moose swim to keep cool in the summer.
• The spring months is when yearlings separate from their mothers and will roam freely.
• Sodium rich moose licks are formed in the spring as a result of rainfall and left over road salt. Moose are attracted to roadways for this reason.
• Mid-September through mid-October, is moose mating season. They are often on the move during these months looking for a mate.
• Majority of accidents happen at DAWN and DUSK on highways and back roads.

If there is a wet spot near the road in which road salt has accumulated you can see a moose there nearly every day at dawn and dusk. -Kristine Rines, NH Fish and Game Department

How do we avoid moose collisions?

• Remember that we share New Hampshire land with the states largest animal-the moose. Be respectful when moose watching, keep your distance and never approach the animal.
• Greatest defense to avoid a moose collision is by being aware of Moose in Motion & following the 4 S’s:
• STAY alert, focus on the road ahead of you
• SCAN the roadway for moose constantly. Put everyone in the car on moose patrol.
• SLOW speed, 55mph and lower on highway. We are in control at 55mph
• SPOT high risk areas (like wetlands) and look for warning road signs, but remember moose will cross anywhere.