Brake For Moose

Each year, there are many moose-related accidents in the Granite State. Some of these accidents result in injury or death to drivers and passengers. NH Fish and Game wildlife officials and law enforcement officers urge drivers to use caution when driving, especially at dusk and dawn, for your safety and that of the moose. Here are some important points to keep in mind when driving in New Hampshire.

• New Hampshire's moose are found statewide.
• The average moose weighs 1,000 lbs.
• Moose are hard to see at night. They are 6 feet tall at the shoulder, and your headlights will often only reveal their legs, which are the same color as the pavement. Their height also means that if you hit one, the bulk of a moose will fall on your windshield and roof.
• Don't count on seeing "eye shine." Moose eyes do reflect light, but your headlights won't reach that high.
• From April to November, moose are very active and the highest numbers of moose-vehicle collisions occur. In spring, yearlings have just been separated from their mothers and are apt to show up anywhere, at any time. In fall, moose are on the move because it's their mating season.
• Moose are attracted to salt licks caused by winter road management, so it is not surprising to see them on or very near the road.