A moose with what onlookers described as hammock netting caught around its antlers was spotted in Ancram on Monday, Nov. 9, prompting a response from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
An environmental conservation police officer who responded to reports of the animal found that it appeared to be in good condition and showed no signs of distress, according to the DEC. The moose was first spotted in Millbrook and has been seen making its way north with recent sightings in Ancramdale and Copake.
The agency’s Bureau of Wildlife has been notified and is monitoring the situation to determine whether further action is necessary.
There are roughly 700 moose in New York’s Adirondack region, with a handful also living along the state’s borders with Vermont and Massachusetts, according to the DEC. Early fall is breeding season, when bull moose can travel considerable distances in search of mates.
The DEC urged residents who encounter a moose to keep their distance and allow the animal to move on its own. Motorists should not pull over on busy roads or highways to observe the animals, the agency said, because doing so can create safety hazards.
Residents are encouraged to report moose sightings to the DEC’s Region 4 Wildlife Office at 518-357-2355 or by email at wildlife.r4@dec.ny.gov.