AUGUSTA — Maine wildlife officials are asking snowmobilers statewide to give moose and other animals a break when they encounter them in the woods.

This winter’s deep snow has made travel for moose and deer to move in the woods and last weekend’s coating of icy crust has made conditions even worse for wildlife, said Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist Lee Kantar.

“Outdoor recreationists need to take caution in approaching wildlife in this situation,” Kantar said.

Judy Givens, of Millinocket, called department officials to complain that other snowmobilers had not stopped to let the giant woodland animals move off the trail as she and her husband Rick had done.

“They know it isn’t safe, but they think it is fun to get as close as they can,” Givens said in regards to other snowmobilers who would get close to the animals.

“They are stressing the moose. The moose are exhausted. They don’t need this.”