State environmental officials are warning motorists about the dangers of hitting a moose after one was spotted Tuesday evening near Interstate 91 in Windsor Locks.

Officials with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said the animal was spotted near Exit 40 off I-91 South.

DEEP noted that Connecticut only has about 100 moose in the entire state, but the animals can pose a serious safety hazard when they wander onto roadways. A collision involving a moose may be more likely this time of year when the animals are “seeking territory in search of new areas to occupy,” according to DEEP.

Motorists should slow down and drive defensively in instances where a moose is spotted on or near a road, DEEP said. The animals are more active around dusk and dawn and are dark in color. DEEP encourages motorists to look higher than one would for deer, as moose stand much taller.

During a collision with a moose, the animal often will impact a vehicle’s windshield, according to state officials.

According to DEEP, data collected from other states indicates that a collision involving a moose is 13 times more likely to be fatal to a human than a crash involving a deer. Any collision involving a moose, deer or bear should be reported to state or local or authorities or DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Officers. DEEP’s 24-hour dispatch center can be reached at 860-424-3333.

DEEP also warned that moose are usually wary of people, though they can become aggressive if they feel threatened. They may also show unpredictable behavior if they wander into populated areas. DEEP advises that “under no circumstances should moose be approached.”

“Although moose may appear to be docile, they should be given the healthy respect that New England’s largest land mammal warrants,” DEEP wrote in a statement Tuesday.

Moose sightings in the area of major roadways like I-91, I-84 or I-95 should be reported to the DEEP’s emergency dispatch center.

Moose sightings in other areas can be reported to DEEP’s online sighting report database.

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