Beware of Horny Moose in New Hampshire

By Jim on September 18th, 2008

Watch out! It’s the rut again! Horny moose are on the loose!

Moose are a big hit this time of year.

New Hampshire State Police had already reported a handful of moose collisions in the North Country coming into September.

And now comes “the rut.” In the breeding season, which extends from mid-September through mid-October, bulls and cows travel more in hot pursuit of a mate.

The largest wild animal in North America is a popular tourist attraction and a major driver distraction. In the past five years, New Hampshire has averaged 230 collisions a year.

“It is important for people to be vigilant,” said Liza Poinier, a spokeswoman for the state Fish and Game Department. “This time of year the moose are starting to get very active.”

With adult moose weighing an average 1,000 pounds, the slogan “Brake for Moose: It could save your life” is no joke. Motorists statewide should be on the lookout, say the experts at the state Fish and Game Department.

Kristine Rines, a wildlife biologist who serves as Fish and Game’s Moose Project Leader, advises motorists to follow some simple rules to avoid moose or to lessen the impact of a collision. They include driving no faster than 55 miles an hour, wearing a seat belt, scanning the sides of the road and slowing down or stopping if one comes upon a moose.

“While collisions can happen at any time of day, they occur most frequently at dusk and during the night,” according to Fish and Game.