Parents dropping off their kids for school Monday morning got quite the wildlife show.
A massive moose was seen strolling by a central Massachusetts elementary school during morning drop-off.
“Special visitor in the Naquag Elementary School drop-off line this morning!” the Rutland Police Department posted, along with a photo of the moose on Monday.
The moose has since left the area, the police department added.
Police gave out tips from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife about how to prevent conflicts with moose.
If you are lucky enough to see a moose, stay a respectful distance away.
“Never try to approach or pursue a moose,” MassWildlife posted. “Pursuit not only stresses the animal, but it adds the risk of having a moose chased out into traffic or into a group of bystanders. Wildlife professionals recommend letting the moose find its way out of populated areas and into nearby forested areas.
“However, when too many people congregate around the moose, it can become stressed and feel cornered,” MassWildlife added. “Occasionally, trained staff from MassWildlife and/or the Environmental Police may need to use immobilizing drugs to take a moose out of a dangerous public safety situation.”
Moose fall breeding season is September and October. Moose will step out onto a road without the slightest concern for oncoming traffic, officials warned. Their dark body is difficult to see and their eyes are much higher than those of white-tailed deer, so they’re often not reflected back from headlights.
Because they’re so heavy and have long legs, their body will often come through the windshield and onto the driver, making collisions extremely dangerous. Swerving to avoid a moose can be equally dangerous, so drive slowly and hit your brakes if you see a moose.
If a moose is in a densely populated area, leave the moose alone and contact the nearest MassWildlife District Office or the Environmental Police to report the sighting and get advice.
The Environmental Police Radio Room can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-632-8075.
