Northern Ontario: Moose Alert on Highways

 

 

As temperatures plummet in Northern Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has warned that moose are flocking onto highways in droves. They are mainly looking for road salt and to avoid driving through snow. Moose herds have been spotted on routes including Highway 527. Police said collisions with these animals, which weigh about 550 kilograms (1,200 pounds), can be extremely serious.

Police warn that such accidents are likely to increase at night due to poor visibility. Moose are difficult to spot from a distance at night due to their dark color. Footprints in the snow on the roadside, movement on the sides, or the sudden flashing of brake lights from vehicles in front should be considered signs that the animals are nearby. Authorities advised that if you see moose, do not try to scare them away by honking your horn, but rather park your vehicle safely and allow them to move away on their own.