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Brake for Moose: It Could Save Your Life - NH

Moose in our yard in Sanbornton headed towards Route 132

CONCORD, N.H. - Remember to brake for moose when traveling  New Hampshire roadways. There were 146 reported moose/vehicle collisions in New  Hampshire in 2011; in the last five years the state has averaged 184 per year.  June is a high-risk month for encountering moose on the roads, because moose  are moving from winter to spring habitats and coming out to the roads to eat  salt. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is working to make people more  aware of the danger of moose/vehicle collisions. Step number one is to learn  what you can do to reduce the chance of being involved in an accident with a  moose.

"Moose are an important and much loved part of our state,  but it can be dangerous to encounter them on the road," said N.H. Fish and Game  Moose Project Leader Kristine Rines. "By following a few simple rules,  motorists can greatly reduce their chance of a moose/vehicle collision or the  severity of personal injury if they do hit a moose."

When driving on New Hampshire roads, keep these points in  mind:

  • New Hampshire's moose herd is approximately 5,000  strong.
  • Moose vehicle collisions happen statewide on all types  of roads.
  • Moose collisions happen most often from the months of  May through November.
  • While collisions can happen at any time of day, they  occur most frequently at dusk and during the night.
  • Moose are dark brown and hard to see against pavement.
  • Don't depend on "eye shine" to alert you to a moose's  presence. Moose don't always look at an approaching vehicle.
  • To reduce the chance of a collision - or the severity  of occupant injury if you do hit a moose:
  • Drive no faster than 55 mph, and wear your seatbelt;
  • Scan the sides of the road;
  • Be able to stop within the zone of your headlights;
  • Use high beams whenever possible;
  • If you see a moose, slow down or stop if necessary,  until you have passed it or it has left the road.

New Hampshire residents and visitors love to see moose  and enjoy sharing the state with these largest denizens of the forest. Make  sure your moose encounters are safe for you and the moose: Brake for Moose - It  could save your life!

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the  guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats.  For more safety tips on avoiding moose collisions, visit  www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/brake_for_moose.htm

- ### - taken from the NH Fish and Game Website

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