HARTFORD, Connecticut: After it wandered onto the grounds of Bradley International Airport in Connecticut, officials killed a moose last week, citing safety concerns for air travelers and drivers on a nearby highway.
In a statement, James Fowler, spokesman for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said, “When moose are roaming in high-traffic areas, such as airports and public roadways, it can be a public safety concern and both Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and airport staff are authorized to euthanize a moose, if deemed necessary,” as quoted by the Associated Press.
The animal, which had not been injured, did not breach the perimeter fence that protects the airport’s runways, and no flights were affected.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection estimates there are between 100 to 150 moose in Connecticut.
Officials constantly monitor threats from wildlife in the area and “have comprehensive strategies to ensure that the airport is prepared to handle any wildlife-related situations,” airport spokeswoman Alisa Sisic said, according to the Associated Press.
Behind only Logan Airport in Boston, Bradley International Airport is New England’s second-largest airport and serves Connecticut and western Massachusetts.