Encounters with wildlife can be awe-inspiring, but meeting a moose on the road is a serious safety risk.
Moose are massive, standing over 2 metres tall and weighing more than 500 kilograms. Collisions can be deadly for both drivers and animals, so knowing how to react is essential.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on reliable online sources. Conditions may vary depending on location, visibility, and traffic.
1. Ease Off The Gas
The moment you spot a moose, gradually reduce your speed without slamming on the brakes. Abrupt stops could cause your vehicle to skid, especially on wet or icy roads.
Maintain control of your vehicle while scanning the surroundings for additional hazards. Remember that moose can be surprisingly quick and may suddenly dart across your path without warning.
2. Flash Your Lights
Alerting other drivers about the potential danger ahead could prevent a multi-vehicle incident. Turn on your hazard lights immediately and flash your headlights at oncoming traffic.
This universal signal warns others to slow down and stay vigilant. Many drivers have avoided serious accidents simply because someone ahead gave them precious seconds to prepare for an unexpected roadblock.
3. Maintain A Safe Distance
Adult moose can weigh over 700 kg and stand 2 metres tall at the shoulder—making them incredibly dangerous when agitated. Stay at least 50 metres away if possible.
Despite their seemingly docile nature, moose can charge without warning when they feel threatened. Contrary to popular belief, they’re actually more dangerous than bears in many parts of Canada, responsible for more injuries each year.
4. Never Honk Your Horn
Loud noises might startle a moose into unpredictable behavior rather than encouraging it to move along. A frightened moose may charge directly at your vehicle instead of fleeing.
These magnificent animals rely primarily on their acute hearing to detect threats in their environment. Your patience will be rewarded when the moose decides to move on its own terms, which is the safest outcome for everyone involved.
5. Prepare For Sudden Movements
Moose behavior can be erratic, especially during mating season or when calves are present. Keep both hands firmly on the wheel and be ready to brake gently if the animal moves suddenly.
These massive creatures can change direction in an instant, despite their gangly appearance. Young bulls are particularly unpredictable during the fall rutting season when testosterone levels peak and their focus is primarily on finding mates.
6. Scan For Additional Moose
Where there’s one moose, others may follow—especially during calving season. Female moose often travel with one or two calves, creating multiple hazards on the road.
Young moose might panic and run in unpredictable directions when separated from their mothers. The roadside brush might conceal additional animals that could suddenly emerge, so carefully scan both sides of the road while maintaining a safe speed.
7. Avoid Swerving If Collision Seems Imminent
When a collision appears unavoidable, braking firmly in a straight line is safer than swerving wildly. Moose have long legs that put their heavy body directly at windshield height in most vehicles.
Swerving often leads to rollovers or head-on collisions with oncoming traffic. Many experienced northern drivers suggest ducking down below dashboard level if impact is inevitable, as most fatalities occur when the moose’s body crashes through the windshield.
8. Report The Sighting
After safely passing the moose, contact local wildlife authorities or highway patrol to report its location. This simple action could prevent accidents for other drivers who might be caught unaware.
Many provinces have dedicated wildlife reporting hotlines or smartphone apps designed specifically for this purpose. The information collected helps wildlife management teams track migration patterns and identify areas where warning signs or wildlife crossings might be needed.
