New England drivers urged to keep their eyes on the road -- there might be a moose on it

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

PORTLAND, Maine — Police are stepping up enforcement over the holiday weekend in northern New England. But that’s not the only reason motorists should slow down.

Spring’s arrival is sending moose scampering onto roadways, causing a spate of crashes including one that recently killed a man on Interstate 295 in Maine.

Moose can be attracted to the winter’s coating of salt that accumulates alongside highways. The manmade salt lick brings the lumbering creatures close to fast-moving cars and trucks.

Maine statistics show 88 percent of collisions happen between dusk and dawn.

But not all. Two weeks ago Maine Trooper Timothy Saucier’s unmarked cruiser was heavily damaged when a yearling moose hopped in front of it. The crash was captured on his video camera.

RELATED MOOSE NEWS:
Vermont’s favorite moose, Pete, is spared death after supporters stage campaign to save him
Your morning adorable: Moose calves make their debut at Berlin Zoo

-- David Sharp, Associated Press