Moose A Rarity, But Other Wildlife Making Appearances in Warmer Weather

Now that the trails are finally free of snow, what wild things might you see as you bike/run/walk around Farmington?

Former Farmington Land Trust Vice President and Steward Chair Tina Delaney and her husband, Michael, the land trust’s chairman of stewardship, have seen well beyond the most common birds and animals. They have documented sightings of fisher, bear, river otter, coyote, and bobcat.

The most surprising wildlife they have encountered was a moose crossing Garden Street in May 2009.

What’s the chance of encountering moose in Farmington again?

Andrew LaBonte, Wildlife Biologist for the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, gave a presentation on the status of moose in Connecticut at the Farmington Land Trust’s recent annual meeting.

“We had eight reported moose sightings in the state between 2000-2009. We had three in 2010, and one just last week.

According to the DEP website, “it is unclear if moose were ever native to Connecticut.” There were a few recorded moose sightings in the early 1900s and throughout the 1930s. A photograph taken in Ashford in September 1956 is thought to be the first photo of a moose in Connecticut. Since 1986, there have been up to six moose sightings a year.

So it really was quite amazing when a moose took a stroll in the center of town.

“My husband and I were out early in the morning doing a bird assessment and going from one site to another by way of Garden Street, when we came upon this young female moose standing in front of Miss Porter's School's new swimming facility that abuts the Farmington River. Obviously she had just come out of the water and decided to cross in the crosswalks in front of us. The school is very strict about its girls using these crosswalks, so it was extremely funny to watch as she crossed, then looked both ways before continuing to cross the street,” Delaney recalled.

“I look at coming upon wildlife as gifts, so this moose made me happy for a long, long time — still does, in fact. I had just recently retired from DEP weeks before this happened. I called the conservation officers, for she looked to be heading towards [Interstate] 84.” 

What should you do if you come across a moose?

LaBonte warns “keep your distance. Moose weigh over 700 pounds and are very unpredictable. Put a large object between you and it — like a tree. Take a photo if you can, then report the sighting by calling the DEP-Wildlife Division by phone at 860-642-7239, between the hours of 8:30 a.m and 4:30 p.m., or use the online reporting form.