SUNDERLAND, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — An injured moose found its way onto Route 116 in Sunderland this morning, and was later euthanized.
Sunderland Police Chief Erik Demetropoulos said earlier reports that the moose had been hit by a school bus were incorrect. There had been a school bus in the vicinity at the time, but was not involved. Local police waited for Environmental Police to arrive on the scene, after which it was determined the moose would need to be euthanized.
Demetropoulos said it is a mystery as to when the moose actually suffered its injury. As of 3:00 pm on Tuesday, there have been no reports of motorists claiming car damage due to hitting an animal. Demetropoulos said it is unclear if anyone would face charges in this case.
“In most cases around the Commonwealth, law enforcement wants to educate and remind people that when they are involved in an accident, they should notify police,” said Demetropoulos. “Whether or not we decided to go ahead with criminal changes would be on a case-by-case basis.”
The situation created a significant traffic jam on Route 116 in the area of Bull Hill Road, especially for southbound traffic.