Rutting season for moose, deer makes roadways dangerous (Beware horny moose)

Associated Press via wstm.com ^ | October 14, 2007

[jmyrlefuller]

Fall has arrived and male deer and moose have begun their mating season rituals.

During their so-called "rut," which generally lasts from October to December, males go crazy. Their libido rises and they lose all caution, searching for females in a frantic effort to breed.

This sends females on the run.

Naturally this results in moose and deer, chasing and being chased, cross roads.

And when that happens, collisions with cars are inevitable. But the state Department of Transportation says motorists shouldn't fear.

DOT Commissioner Astrid Glynn says drivers should reduce speed and stay alert during this time.

According to a DOT report, 689 motorists were injured and four were killed in crashes involving animals last year.

An estimated 60,000 to 70,000 deer-vehicle accidents occurred during that time, two-thirds of which occurred during the rut.

But deer aren't the only danger. An estimated 500 moose now roam the state. They pose an even greater threat to motorists because they weigh more and their dark brown to black coloring can make them difficult to see.

[EggsAckley]

I’m seeing many many more deer in the forest here (Santa Cruz mountains), and the rule of thumb is that if you see one on the road, stop because there will probably be two or three more nearby.

“giant antlered rats” is what some of us call them.

~/;o)

[Global2010]

Thanks I didn’t know about the Moose/deer erratic mating season.

I knew it was hunting season.

I live in Moose/Deer habitat and enjoy the deer who visit our property.

We have had one loner doe come (welcomed) to eat from our fruit and berries this year, pretty brave with 3 labs fenced in but on guard.

The other day I went down the hill/road to check mail and she was trotting down on the road untill a car came whizzing her way.

We have a front yard/garage cam and after I beat the apples down this fall for her afternoon munching she now comes by and loooooks into the garage (what I use as my front door).

And before anyone yelps at me for liking deer, yes I am pro hunting for those who enjoy and or do so as a food source.

[Young Werther]

In college I worked in the library to earn some extra bucks. I remember putting up some books in the Zoology section. I found a book written by a Swedish Academic. It was entitled "Antlers in the Tree Tops" by Ho gussed dah Muss.

There were pictures!

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

PETA members should douse themselves with doe scent as this will protect them.

[jmyrlefuller]

I thought that's what they did to get a date.

[Don Carlos]

Six posts, and not a word (yet) about anyone’s sister being bit by a moose! I’m thinking, new world record!

[silentreignofheroes]

Good Advice..

Free Samples,,,bet they could not pass it up..

To protect the bucks we can issue a nice set of racks and they can walk thru the woods..

[Young Werther]

Moose Turds make excellent jewelry. I bought a marvelous pair of earings and a stunning pendant in Fairbanks!

[jmyrlefuller]

I am somewhat disappointed. People are actually taking these moose stories somewhat seriously.

[Hegemony Cricket]

A moose once hit my sister...

[martin_fierro]

During their so-called "rut," which generally lasts from October to December, males go crazy. Their libido rises and they lose all caution, searching for females in a frantic effort to breed.
This sends females on the run.

I assume we're still talking deer here, right?

[going hot]

moose turds make excellent stew. Many parts are edible.

..< / euell gibbons voice >

[uglybiker]

The rutting season of human males starts in early January, usually around the 1st, and runs through the end of December; with minor letups during the week leading up to the Superbowl and the Final 4.

Ladies can temporarily disable the urge by 'accidentally' switching the channel to SpeedVision (OOOOH! Drag Racing!!!).

[uglybiker]

moose turds make excellent stew. Many parts are edible.

How's about a big slice o' Moose Turd pie!

[LilAngel]

Yes Deer, we are. (Oops, I mean Dear.)

[upsdriver]

LOL! I would prefer they use moose cow scent. Oh, and pictures!! Video, preferably.

[JRios1968]

A moose once hit my sister...

Mynd yøu, møøse hyts can be nasti...

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

I thought Moose only hit people that messed with Midge!