Community Corner

Speaking of Rarely Spotted Animals - Could the Waterbury Moose be Headed for Bethwood?

Moose spotted at Rt. 84 and Rt. 8 Junction at 9 am today.

Of all the things that find their way into an editor's inbox, this is the stuff this editor lives for. Check it out:

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division today advised motorists that a moose was sighted in the Waterbury area in the vicinity of Route 8 and Interstate 84 at 9:00 a.m. on Oct 14. 

Motorists are advised to slow down and drive defensively should a moose be spotted on or near the roadway.  If motorists see this moose or any moose near a major highway, they should report it to the DEEP Environmental Conservation Police (860-424-3333) and to local authorities.

Find out what's happening in Bethwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

September through October is the peak of the breeding season for Connecticut's small but expanding moose population which means an increase in moose movements and a greater potential for moose to cross roads.  Moose, with their darker color and much taller stance, are particularly difficult to see at night and, once struck, are more likely to collapse through the vehicle windshield.

Not that I won't be happy with a picture of the Bethany Bear, but a shot of the Waterbury moose on a walkabout in the countryside of Bethwood would be unBEARably excellent. Hint.

Find out what's happening in Bethwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Editor's Note: The moose was spotted only 10.2 miles from my homebase of Locket's Meadow, a short lope for such a long-legged animal should he/she decide to visit. I have only spotted one moose in my life while driving up Rt. 91 in Vermont. At first glance I thought it was a horribly disfigured horse (it was female so no antlers) but realized my  mistake as I slowed down my car to leap out and find a way to rescue it. Shortly afterwards I got my prescription upgraded on my eyeglasses.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here