Moose mother of 2 killed on SR 224 near Swaner Preserve

A female was moose struck and killed on S.R. 224 sometime on September 13, 2023. Photo: TownLift

SNYDERVILLE, Utah — A female moose was found dead on S.R. 224 this morning.

Although it is unclear what time the moose was hit and killed, a witness reported seeing the animal at approximately 7:30 a.m. and broken car parts were scattered across the road in the vicinity of the dead animal. The moose carcass has since been removed.

A spokesperson for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) confirmed that the moose was the mother of two young calves witnesses reported seeing near the site of the accident. According to the spokesperson, a DWR biologist has concluded that the calves are old enough to survive without their mother.

The moose was located near Swaner Preserve, between two sets of animal crossing warning signs placed by Save People Save Wildlife (SPSW). The crossing warning signs are intended to increase driver awareness of animals in the vicinity.

In the wake of this moose’s death, SPSW has started a letter writing campaign and is currently urging locals to send messages of support for safe passage for wildlife to savepeoplesavewildlife@gmail.com.

“It is critical that every single person that lives in or has visited park city send emails to our email address (savepeoplesavewildlife@gmail.com) in support of safe passage for wildlife along sr224… per Mayor Worel’s request. We are collecting these letters on behalf of the community,” said a spokesperson for SPSW. “We are presenting these letters to park city council on behalf of the public in order to elevate this issue so it becomes a priority for park city council. We can no longer stand by and watch the wildlife perish on this busy roadway. We must provide safe passage for our wildlife along SR224.”

As fall sets in it is important to remember to be wildlife aware. Moose, elk and deer will all be on the move and making more frequent road crossings over the coming months.

If possible:

• Try to avoid driving during high-risk times.
• Watch for wildlife warning signs.
• Scan your surroundings constantly.

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