Moose on the Loose in Waterford?

Waterford-East Lyme Animal Control posted a public service announcement on its Facebook page today warning people not to leave their pets unattended outside because coyotes, foxes, fisher cats, and bobcats are very active in our area and all see small pets as prey. 

However, there might be one more wild creature that's roaming around Waterford at the moment. An Old Lyme resident posted on her Facebook page yesterday that she saw an adolescent moose near I-95 in Waterford.

Moose sightings have become increasingly common in Connecticut but they're likely to be even more so this time of year, as October is the height of moose mating season and the animals are roaming in search of mates. 

"During this time of year young moose are dispersing from where they were born to find their own territory and often wander great distances," state DEEP Wildlife Biologist Andrew LaBonte, who tracks the moose population in Connecticut, said in an interview with Patch earlier this year.  

Moose are most active during dawn and dusk. That, combined with their brown coloring, can make them difficult to see if they're wandering by the road.  

"If you do see one, it’s not recommended you brake heavily as it will make the front end of your car drop lower increasing the likelihood it ends up in your windshield," LaBonte told Patch. "I wouldn’t recommend accelerating either, but applying brakes lightly."

Aside from being potential road hazards, moose typically pose no harm to people or pets. However, they are more aggressive this time of year because it's mating season. If you do see one, LaBonte advises people to steer clear in every sense. 

"Caution should always be used around any animal due to their unpredictability, but especially moose due to their size," LaBonte said. "They aren’t overly aggressive animals except during the breeding season or if a cow has a young calf." 

You can find out more about moose in Connecticut on the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Web site.