NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A 400-pound moose was hit and killed by a car Wednesday morning on Route 15 North in North Haven, state police said.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) responded to the scene near Exit 73 around 6 a.m. to remove the animal.

Officials with DEEP told News 8 the 2-year-old female moose that died Wednesday was likely the one spotted in the Watertown/Waterbury area, as the last reports of the animal showed it was moving in that direction.

While the driver that struck the moose was not injured, their car suffered extensive damage to the windshield and hood. The driver was able to drive away.

It is 13 times more likely that a crash involving a moose will end in a human fatality than a car crash involving a deer, DEEP officials said.

While the moose population in Connecticut is small — about 100 individuals — DEEP officials said the animals could pose a serious threat if they wander onto roads. Young moose may travel further, searching for new areas to call home, this time of year.

Since moose are darker in color, stand much higher than deer, and are most active during dusk and dawn, it is not usual to see the reflective eyeshine from headlights.

Moose can also feel threatened or become aggressive around humans. DEEP officials said moose should not be approached under any circumstances.

All moose, deer and bear collisions with vehicles should be reported to local, state or DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Officers. DEEP’s 24-hour Dispatch Center can be reached at 860-424-3333. 

The public is also urged to report moose sightings near major roadways, like Interstates 91, 84 and 95, to DEEP’s 24-hour Dispatch Center.

General moose sightings in other areas of Connecticut can be reported to DEEP’s online sighting report database.