Don’t Veer for Deer and Don’t Goose a Moose

     It happened again.  Somebody goosed a moose;  that sounds better to me than saying someone mowed one over, flattened one or a moose bit the dust.  To the best of my knowledge that makes two dead moose and winter has just begun.

     Moose frequent the Gunflint Trail during all seasons but especially during winter.  It isn’t uncommon to see 4 or more in less than a mile or 8 or more during a trip to town.  All of the locals know moose like to lick the salt off of the road and most salt is found on the slippery corners.  That would make sense to assume moose may be hanging out on the curves where their tracks can be seen all over the side of the road.  It shouldn’t come as a surprise to see a moose in an area like I described or anywhere else on the Gunflint Trail.

     Unfortunately some people who travel the Gunflint Trail don’t pay attention to the signs of wildlife.  Fox dodge into the ditch, rabbits hop across the lanes of traffic and deer are everywhere.  According to the DNR, "During 2004-2006 in Minnesota, 13,214 deer-vehicle crashes resulted in 13 deaths and 1,449 injuries."  The Director of the Department of Public Safety says, "It’s safer to hit a deer than to swerve into oncoming traffic or off the side of the road and risk hitting another vehicle or roaside object."  Deer are small when compared to moose and I know I would swerve for a moose because I have, time and time again.

     Moose are alot like deer and some of the "Don’t Veer for Deer " driving tips can be applied to moose and other wildlife too.  If you’re on the Trail or anywhere then do your best to drive safely and please don’t goose a moose.

• Drive at safe speeds-the posted speed limit is the speed limit.
• Slow down and prepare to stop as soon as you see a deer.  It is safer to stop than to take evasive action.
• If you see one deer, watch for more-deer frequently move in groups.