It’s Peak Moose Season In Maine: Experts Say To Watch The Roadways

Most people look forward to the summer months. The days are longer, and usually, the weather is nicer. There's more time to enjoy the great outdoors.

But experts say one thing Mainers need to keep in mind, especially as they're driving throughout the state, is that June is one of the peak months for moose collisions in Maine.

The Maine Department of Transportation says the combination of the height of a moose with their dark colored eyes makes it difficult to spot them in the roadway when it's dark out.

"Moose activity peaks in May and June, posing a substantial safety risk in Maine. Drivers should exercise caution in high moose areas, especially around dawn and dusk, when moose are most active, and at night, when they are harder to notice."

They estimate that there have been over 2,600 collisions on Maine roadways in the past decade.

In the last year alone, 217 crashes involving moose have been reported, with a majority of those instances taking place between the hours of 7 PM and 6 AM.

Statistics say the top 3 counties in the state for moose crashes are Aroostook, Penobscot, and Franklin counties, with Somerset and Oxford counties right behind that.

State Wildlife safety experts say that if you do find yourself face-to-face with one of these majestic mammals in the roadway, there are some things you'll want to remember.

"If you see a moose standing in or near the roadway, use extreme caution, especially during mating season from August through October.

• Slow down.
• Do not try to drive around the moose.
• Stay in your vehicle. Do not get out to observe or to chase it off the road. By getting out of the car, you put yourself and other drivers at risk. Moose can be unpredictable and may attack your vehicle.
• Give moose plenty of room and let them wander back off the road."

The experts say if it looks like a collision with a moose is unavoidable, aim for its tail and duck.

According to a recent post on the Maine DOT Facebook Page, while your instincts might tell you to try to pull around a moose, it's best not to tempt fate.

The post goes on to say that moose can be unpredictable and a bit bull-headed. They're just as apt to try to chase or attack your vehicle if you try to get too close or go around.

Also, as exciting as it might seem to get a selfie with a real, live Bullwinkle, it wouldn't be the brightest idea to get out of the car, or even roll down the window to do so.

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Remember that both moose and deer sometimes travel in small herds, so if you see one, there may be others around.

Other tips for avoiding collisions with moose include being extra cautious when you see the moose crossing signs, as those are put in places where historically crashes have occurred.

Making sure you have plenty of visibility is key. Use your high beams, and watch for those reflective eyes of deer or the silhouettes of moose, especially in spots they are known to inhabit, like the woods or around wetlands.

Keep an eye on the road, and good luck this summer.