On January 11, 2017

Sick moose sighted in Rutland County

VTF&W is monitoring the animal for possible brainworm disease
RUTLAND—A moose that is suspected to have a fatal disease is being monitored in Rutland County. The moose has remained near a road for several weeks and biologists and wardens are checking on the animal for symptoms of brainworm. The public is warned not to approach it.
Officials caution the public that moose with brainworm may appear tame, but they are still wild animals and can be unpredictable and dangerous if approached.
“This moose has remained near the road and in sight of people for some time now, which is unusual for a healthy moose,” said Forrest Hammond, wildlife biologist for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. “We’re continuing to monitor the moose for symptoms of brainworm and other diseases. Wardens may need to take appropriate steps to protect human safety if the moose becomes a threat.”
Brainworm is a parasitic disease that affects a moose’s health and behavior. The disease progresses in the animal and is ultimately fatal. Symptoms of brainworm include drooling, a tilted head, stumbling, walking sideways or in circles, and not showing fear of humans.
“By the time the moose reaches the later stages of the disease, it may exhibit signs of suffering,” said Hammond. “In these cases, we try to do the humane thing by euthanizing the animal. This is really a last resort for us, and we only step in to protect human safety or put the animal out of its misery.”
The department encourages members of the public to contact their local game warden if they see an animal that appears sick or is acting strangely, and to always leave these animals alone for their own safety and the safety of the animal.
The exact location of the roaming moose was not available at press time.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Killington Resort announces staff promotions, management additions 

June 4, 2025
Josh Reed  Josh Reed has moved into the role of communications manager. Reed has been part of the Killington team since 2021, most recently serving as a ticket and reservation supervisor, where he was recognized for his thoughtful leadership and commitment to the mountain. Reed has over 20 years of sales and marketing leadership experience…

CEDRR receives $2,500 Smart Growth Award

June 4, 2025
The Vermont Natural Resources Council announced the latest grant recipients for the Small Grants for Smart Growth program, May 27. Grantee selections are made on a rolling basis. The committee chose the Bridport Housing Task Force, the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR), and the South Burlington Energy Committee to be awarded a combined $6,750 in the most recent…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Vermont celebrates 50 years of mentorship and community impact

June 4, 2025
2025 marks a significant milestone for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Vermont (BBBSVT), which is celebrating 50 years of empowering youth through meaningful, one-on-one mentoring relationships across the Green Mountain State. Founded in 1975 through Youth Services, BBBSVT has matched thousands of “Littles” with caring adult “Bigs,” fostering relationships that help young people realize their…

Motorized forage harvester falls into Hartland gorge

June 4, 2025
By Curt Peterson A convoy of haying equipment and workers started out from Braintree on Monday, May 26, to harvest 47 acres across from Harpoon Brewery for landowner John McGrail of Shepherds Brook Farms. Their journey was cut short when a 20-foot tall, 27-ton self-propelled John Deere forage harvesting machine, avoiding collision with an oncoming…