Vermont Fish and Wildlife officials caution drivers that moose are more likely to be crossing roadways at this time of year, especially after dark or early in the morning as they move from wintering areas to spring feeding locations. (Vermont Fish and Wildlife - Benjamin Young)
Vermont Fish and Wildlife officials caution drivers that moose are more likely to be crossing roadways at this time of year, especially after dark or early in the morning as they move from wintering areas to spring feeding locations. (Vermont Fish and Wildlife - Benjamin Young) Credit: —

Montpelier — Officials at the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department are urging drivers to be “cautious” and “alert” for moose, which are more likely to cross highways in spring as they move to feeding locations.

The early morning hours and periods after dark are the times to be most careful, Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter said in a news release on Tuesday.

Motorists hit 67 moose in 2017 in Vermont. Nineteen people have died in motor vehicle collisions with moose in Vermont since 1985, Porter said.

“We are asking drivers to be especially careful and for people to enjoy watching moose from a distance,” Porter said. “Moose can be unpredictable and dangerous if you get too close, and they (can) feel cornered or get irritated.”

Officials urge motorists to drive defensively, because moose are dark in color and difficult to see at night.

Moose most commonly are hit by motorists in the spring. The breeding season in September and October also can be a problem.