Beware of moose: drivers urged to be more careful on Nizhny Novgorod roads

      04 September 2025 17:12

      [206]

      Society

      From the end of August to the beginning of October, moose enter the mating season, during which the animals become particularly mobile and aggressive. During this period they more often come onto highways, increasing the risk of road traffic accidents. The Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife Protection of the Nizhny Novgorod Region reminded the public of this.

      The head of the ministry, Roman Vorobyov, noted that during the rut male moose actively move in search of females and often end up on the roadway. Evening and nighttime hours are especially dangerous, when the animals are most active. Due to the moose’s body structure, an impact in a collision often strikes the windshield, which can lead to serious injuries or the death of the driver and passengers.

      According to the ministry, 133 traffic accidents involving wild animals have already been recorded in the region since the beginning of the year. In the same period last year there were 129 such incidents. The rise in accidents is being linked to an increase in the populations of moose and other wild forest dwellers.

      The Ministry of Forestry urges motorists to be especially careful when driving on country roads, to observe speed limits and to reduce speed after dark. This is particularly important in areas where signs warn of possible wild animals.

      If a driver notices an animal on the road, they should stop, switch on the hazard lights and wait until the animal leaves the carriageway. Under no circumstances should one sound the horn — this may provoke aggression from a moose, which is capable of attacking a vehicle.

      In the event of a collision with a wild animal, the driver must immediately report the incident by calling 112, summon traffic police (GIBDD) officers and follow their instructions. It is also necessary to place a warning triangle to alert other road users.

      The ministry reminded that approaching a struck animal is dangerous — even an injured moose can behave aggressively. In addition, taking the carcass is prohibited: this is considered illegal hunting. The cost of damage for a struck moose is about 80,000 rubles, but this amount is covered by OSAGO insurance, even if the accident occurred outside the area of warning signs.

      Earlier it was reported that two people were injured in the Nizhny Novgorod Region in a traffic accident involving a moose.

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