Birds are usually the primary concern when wildlife invades airports. Bird strikes can seriously damage aircraftin rare circumstances it even destroys engines and crashes passenger planes. However, mammals are also a danger when they roam free on the tarmac at an airport. A moose it recently broke through a fence at an airport in Connecticut and was stopped before it could do any significant damage.
Last Friday, a moose was spotted wandering around Bradley International Airport near Hartford, Connecticut. WFSB reported that airport personnel contacted the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) regarding the moose. After the large animal made it through the outer fence, DEEP and Environmental Police decided to euthanize the animal.
Spokesperson for DEEP told CBS News, “When moose roam high traffic areas such as airports and highways, there is a public safety concern, and both DEEP and airport personnel have the authority to euthanize the moose if deemed necessary.”
An airplane that hits any animal the size of a moose while taking off or landing is incredibly dangerous. The Federal Aviation Administration advises airports to take deterrent measures to keep animals away from their facilities. The goal is to prevent the creatures from entering the airport area before direct action is necessary.
DEEP noted that great care was needed when euthanizing the moose to protect the airport. However, the agency also reports that there are only 100 elk in Connecticut. The moose in question never breached the inner fence surrounding the runways or taxiways at Bradley Airport. I hope the Environmental Police considered all options before deciding to put the moose down.
