(ANCHORAGE) – Alaska drivers are urged to use extra caution right now when traveling roadways in Southcentral, Interior and other regions where moose are common. Long nights and short, often dimly lit winter days make the animals especially difficult to spot, increasing the danger of moose-vehicle collisions.

“The majority of our road kills occur during the winter months,” said Kenai Area Wildlife Biologist Jeff Selinger. “Decreased visibility due to lack of daylight, icy roads, and moose movement patterns all contribute to the increased collision rates we see at this time of year.”

Visibility hazards are further compounded when accumulating snow forces moose into lowland areas, often around highway corridors where travel is easier and food sources more exposed.

The combination can be deadly for moose and motorists alike. Drivers are sometimes injured and even killed when vehicles traveling at normal highway speeds collide with the animals which may weigh between 500 and 900 pounds. Two people died in October in separate Anchorage area moose-vehicle collisions.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities advises motorists to be aware that wildlife may be near roadways during the winter and to drive cautiously – particularly during periods of darkness – and according to road and weather conditions. Make sure vehicles are properly equipped for winter driving and that headlights and taillights are clean and in good working order.

To help prevent collisions with moose, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) suggest drivers practice the following safe winter driving habits:

• Drive according to weather conditions. Reduced driving speeds at night and during adverse weather conditions allow motorists better opportunity to spot moose near roadways and provide more time to react should animals bolt into the road.
• Be alert. Deliberately and continuously scan for wildlife on both sides of the road and along road corridors and medians. Drivers preoccupied by cellphone conversations or other distractions are much more apt to collide with moose.
• Stay tuned. Cow moose crossing or standing near roads are often accompanied by calves; reduce speed when moose are spotted and look for additional animals that may be crossing behind the first.
• Observe the Signs. Watch for highway warning signs marking high moose-vehicle collision areas and well-known moose crossing areas such as moose ranges or refuges, and be especially alert for a few miles before and beyond those areas.
• Back Off. Increase the distance between you and the car in front of you to allow for greater braking distances and reaction time.
• Other Clues. Watch for flickering in the headlights of oncoming traffic or against reflective signs or delineators that may be caused by an animal crossing in front of that vehicle.[xyz-ihs snippet=”adsense-body-ad”]

Motorists involved in or who witness moose-vehicle collisions should call Alaska State Troopers. Injured moose should be reported to the nearest ADF&G office during normal business hours, or to the troopers outside normal business hours.

For more information, see the ADF&G webpage, “Driving in Moose Country,” and and the DOT&PF “Winter Driving Tips” webpage. For updated traveler information call 511, sign up for alerts, or visit 511.alaska.gov.

ADF&G’s Division of Wildlife Conservation is dedicated to conserving and enhancing Alaska’s wildlife and habitats to provide for a wide range of public uses and benefits.[xyz-ihs snippet=”Adversal-468×60″]

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