Moose euthanized after it wandered onto Connecticut airport, breached fence, officials say
A moose was euthanized "out of an abundance of caution" Friday after it wandered onto the grounds of a busy Connecticut airport and breached an outer perimeter fence, officials said.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection received a report of a moose spotted near Bradley International Airport and sent the Environmental Conservation Police and Wildlife Division to monitor the situation, the environmental department said in a statement sent to Paste BN.The wildlife division "made the difficult decision" to euthanize the moose in order to protect the airport environment and vehicles on Route 20, the environmental department said.
“When moose are roaming in high-traffic areas such as airports and public roadways it can be a public safety concern and both DEEP and airport staff are authorized to euthanize a moose if deemed necessary,” the department said in the news release.
The environmental department didn't tranquilize the animal because tranquilizers don’t take effect immediately.
"During that time, the animal may run into roads, or other very dangerous public safety situations, putting both the animal and people at risk of injury or death," the environmental department said.
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Airport has plan to prepare for wildlife situations, officials say
Airport spokeswoman Alisa Sisic said the airport has a comprehensive strategy to ensure that it’s prepared to “handle any wildlife-related situations” and officials constantly monitor threats from wildlife in the area, the Associated Press reported.
Bradley International Airport, which serves Connecticut and western Massachusetts, is New England’s second-largest airport behind Boston Logan International Airport.
"This time of year, young moose are dispersing in search of their own territories and may travel long distances," the environmental department said. "There have already been several instances this year where young moose have been reported moving around many towns seeking new, suitable habitat.
The current moose population in Connecticut is estimated to be just over 100 animals, the environmental department said on its website.
Contributing: Associated Press