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Vehicle collisions with moose (Alces alces) and deer (Odocoileus spp.) pose a serious threat to all motorists travelling highways traversing habitats of these two ungulates. In British Columbia, mitigation measures to reduce such collisions are based on spatially-accurate records of collisions involving moose and deer that are collected by the province's highway maintenance contractors. To date, the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (BC MOTI) uses the paper-based Wildlife Accident Reporting System (WARS) established in 1978 to maintain carcass records. We compared carcass location data collected in 2010 to 2014 by BC MOTI using WARS to that collected by Northern Health Connections bus drivers using a newly developed GPS-based system (Otto® Wildlife device). In total, 6,929 carcasses (1,231 moose, 5,698 deer) were recorded using WARS and 474 (167 moose, 410 deer) using the Otto® Wildlife device. We compared data collected along 2,800 km on the same highways in the same seasons of the same years. We found more carcass locations were identified with the WARS method, but that in certain geographic regions, the Otto® Wildlife system identified several unique locations. We contend that more complete and finer-scale carcass location data is possible using a GPS-based system such as Otto® Wildlife, than currently collected solely with the paper-based WARS method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a gap between a growing interest to study the moose/human interface (MHI) and the actual effort made to understand this human dimension (HD) component in moose research. A content analysis of A ices 1974-2001 showed that the relative contribution of HD-papers increased until 1991 but decreased thereafter. of 66 HD-articles published, 68% of the papers covered how "man affects moose" with hunting and collisions the single most important topics, and 15% were about "values" (economic and attitudes). Outside Alces, articles appeared that were underrepresented in A Ices or in the Proceedings of the North American Moose Con/ërence and Workshop. I identify four priority HD-areas for future studies: (1) how do people react to changing moose densities and distributions?; (2) which management alternatives are acceptable for managing the urban and suburban MHI and what makes them acceptable?; (3) how important are moose to non-consumptive users?; and (4) what are the population dynamics and attributes of the consumptive moose user and what makes moose important to consumptive users? A scientific challenge is to further merge ecological and social science to integrate this in management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity, a special emphasis has been put on an integrated ecosystem approach. Some of the "Malawi principles" state that management objectives are a matter of societal choice, and that management should be decentralized to the lowest appropriate level. A key feature of the ecosystem approach includes conservation of ecosystem structure and function on a long term basis, while seeking an appropriate balance between conservation and use of biodiversity. The role of moose in the ecosystem and how the Malawi principles can be adopted in moose management were a focus of the 5th International Moose Symposium. All invited speakers and session chairs were asked to provide a brief summary of how they considered the Malawi principles to relate to the topic of their respective papers or sessions at the Symposium. Those summaries are given in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moose (Alces alces) population density in the Kirov region of Russia is often overestimated when using the relationship between the distance between a residential area and the initial sighting of moose tracks. This paper presents a modified approach to provide better estimates when using this techinique. Statistically valid density estimation techniques, standardization of estimation points and routes, landscape characteristics, and time have been addressed in the new approach. Moose density is estimated once annually based on the distance to the first track, and annual surveys should maintain alike protocol. This improved method will provide more accurate population density estimates critical to prevent regional overharvest of moose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides predictive formulas to estimate live weights of moose (Alces alces andersoni) from hunter-harvested animals and evaluate growth rates of moose in North Dakota, and reviews weight-related measurements among moose populations. From 1978-1990, morphometric data were collected on 224 hunter-killed moose harvested after the rut (10 November-12 December) in North Dakota. Body mass increased rapidly for both sexes from 0.5 years to 1.5 years-of-age. Whole weight and total body length reached an asymptote for both sexes by 5.5 years; mean whole weight appeared to decline among older individuals. Although field dressed weight was the best predictor of whole weight (r² = 0.93; n = 154), total body length provided reasonably good estimates of whole weight (r² = 0.76; n = 153). Whole weight estimates based upon shoulder height (r² = 0.33; n = 158) and hind-foot length (r² = 0.46; n = 163) were less reliable. We also used morphometric variables to predict field dressed weight, carcass weight, and visceral weight. Field dressed weight was the best predictor of antler width (r² = 0.72; n = 108) and antler width was a good predictor of male age (r² = 0.70; n = 119). When compared to other North American populations, average weights of moose harvested in North Dakota tended to be higher in all age classes. Additionally, the calf-to-yearling growth rate of female moose in North Dakota was as high, or higher than in other populations. Morphometric comparisons of free-ranging moose from various North American populations had much size overlap, with southern and eastern moose populations tending to have largest average adult body mass. Sexual dimorphism of mature North Dakota moose (> 4.5 years) was comparable to that in other populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moose (Alces alces) hunting and other means of forest food production employed by members ofFirstNations communities are undertaken as part oftheir treaty rights in Ontario, articulated in specific nation-to-nation agreements with the Government of Canada on behalf of the British Crown. Aroland First Nation in Northwestern Ontario is party to Treaty 9 (1905), which overtly protects the community's rights to hunt throughout the unoccupied tracts of Crown land claimed as "traditional territory." Traditional use supersedes provincial authority and, as such, is not managed by provincial policy or regulation. This jurisdictional divide has presented an interesting history and many challenges for both provincial managers and First Nations land users. Strained relationships between provincial authorities and First Nations, emergent from decades of misunderstandings of jurisdictional authority, have presented difficulty in all aspects of natural resource management. In this paper, we engaged community-based researchers in an exploration of the community's perspective of the current and historical management regime. In collaboration with community members, we interpret the results, discuss implications, and provide considerations for future managers and policy makers. We also quantified the annual moose harvest by Aro land and Ginoogaming First Nations that is only estimated by provincial managers; our results show provincial calculations may underestimate total harvests by up to 40%. This error could have significant implications for future moose populations, wildlife managers, and both provincial and First Nations hunters. The potential for such errors serves to highlight our call for provincial authorities to seek and engage First Nations perspectives and participation in moose management for the benefit of the entire community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In eastern Aroostook County, Maine abundant populations of moose (Alces alces) within an agricultural-woodland setting negatively impact cole crops and incur a high rate of moose-vehicle collisions. Despite increases in antlerless hunting permits and relatively high hunter success rates, the recreational hunting framework was not effective in reducing these negative impacts, and hunter be- havior had strained landowner relations and reduced access. Continuing landowner relation problems and loss of access were counterproductive to the effective distribution of hunters and reducing moose abundance. In 2009 a controlled moose hunt was implemented to reduce immediate impacts on cole crops by moose, affect short-term population reduction, and facilitate cooperation and communication among stakeholders. This paper describes the rationale and framework for implementation of the controlled moose hunt, use of a co-managerial approach, and how the hunt addressed moose management goals and objectives. Development and application of this controlled moose hunt in Maine provides managers with another critical tool to affect population trajectory and address tangible social issues associated with moose populations above social carrying capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a simultaneously firing dual camera system that integrates a new generation radiometric thermal camera with a high spatial resolution natural color camera where all imagery is spatially indexed with local coordinates and managed by a GIS. A test of the system to estimate the moose population in northeastern Vermont found that the Airborne Imaging Multispectral Sensor (AIMS) Thermal system performed well under both overcast and sunny conditions; overcast conditions produced far fewer false-positive heat signatures than older systems. Tests for detection rates in hardwood stands indicated 100% accuracy. Tests to determine if camera lens parallax produced different probabilities of detection inside and outside of the image nadir due to the screening effect of trees indicated no such bias. The estimated moose density was 0.84 moose/km2 based on a 20% sample (133 km2) of the 682 km2 study area, and was within 5% of the pre-survey estimate. Future analysis will include testing of sightability in coniferous habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concern over the decline of moose in Minnesota led to a Legislative Session Law mandating that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) develop a Moose Management and Research Plan (MMRP). Prior to developing the MMRP, the DNR was required to form a Moose Advisory Committee (MAC). The MAC met 8 times from August 2008-July 2009 and provided management and research recommendations to the DNR in a 45-page report available on the internet. This paper details the MAC process and serves as a reference for agencies that find themselves in a similar management circumstance. Procedural decisions, planning needs, and development of the final report are discussed herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) is an important ectoparasite of moose (Alces alces) that has rapidly invaded Finland during the last 50 years, and is currently found in southern parts of Finnish Lapland. We have studied the invasion, behavior, and ecology of this parasitic fly, and in this paper briefly review the effect of climate on the distribution of deer keds and our recent findings from host-choice experiments. The rapid increase of the deer ked is correlated with high moose densities in Finland. We propose that the availability of suitable hosts, not climate, is the primary factor affecting its northward range expansion. Our host-choice experiments indicated that deer keds are attracted by movement and large, dark objects. Our results suggest that this parasite may continue to spread northwards in the near future, and that its potential impact on cervids and human health warrants attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fllarioid nematode Setaria tundra caused an outbreak of peritonitis in Finnish semi-domesticated reindeer in 2003-2006. Our research group studied the invasion and reservoirs of S. tundra in Finnish cervid populations and this paper provides an overview of that research. The outbreak had detrimental effects on reindeer health and may, in part, explain the observed decline of the population of wild forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandusfennicus). Both range expansion by roe deer, and high summer temperatures that increased vector populations of mosquitoes and gnats and influenced habitat use by reindeer were implicated in the outbreak. We suggest that vector borne parasites will increase in the Arctic owing to the effect of global climate change and have consequences for all cervid populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After nearly a century of decline and range contraction in the northeastern United States, moose (Alces alces) have re-colonized Adirondack Park, New York due to improved habitat and adjacent source populations. In this paper 1 present the results of 2 Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) models used to examine the pattern of moose recovery in Adirondack Park. Sighting data collected in 1980-1999 by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation were used to compare moose locations with 3 suitability levels of moose habitat predicted by the HSI models. The 2 models indicated that most of Adirondack Park was a combination of suitable (49-73%) and most suitable habitat (10-35%) for moose; the majority (53-77%) of sightings occurred in suitable habitat. However, the distribution of moose locations derived from sighting data might have been influenced by where human recreational activity occurred because sighting locations were not well correlated with the most suitable habitat. The combined analysis of the sighting locations and the HSI models provided valuable insight into the current and potential occupation and distribution of moose in Adirondack Park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moose (AIces alces)-vehicle collisions (MVC) can be costly ecologically by affecting population numbers, economically by vehicle damage, and socially through human injury or mortality. The purpose of this paper is to identify factors related to moose ecology, driver behaviour, and road design that are useful for predicting the spatial location of MVC on the Trans Canada Highway dissecting Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks. We identified 6 subsets of logistic regression models and used Akaike's information Criteria (AIC) to determine the most parsimonious model within each subset. In addition to this study being the first to examine collisions within these 2 parks, each of these 6 modelling procedures is unique in predicting MVC. Five of the six subsets modelled local-scale/field-based hypotheses of driver visibility, moose evidence, highway design, roadside vegetation, and moose habitat, while the sixth subset examined landscape-scale hypotheses through the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS). The Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) discriminated between MVC and random reference sites in order to validate the best fit model from each of the 6 subsets. A MVC probability map along the highway was created using the GIS model, providing a powerful and relatively efficient and inexpensive planning tool. The moose evidence model correctly classified the most MVC among the local-scale models. In relation to the spatial analysis, highway planning to reduce MVC risk within the parks should begin by assessing landscape-scale variables with emphasis on distance to wetland and landscape slope. This landscape-scale analysis should be followed by field-based modelling using moose evidence and habitat-related modelling with important predictors of moose tracks, game trails, and coniferous forest habitat. If highway planning cannot be effective in decreasing MVC, mitigation measures should include a public awareness program, speed reduction, and consideration of an alternative intercept foraging plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hunting statistics showed that moose (Alces alces) numbers in Poland declined from 5,400 animals in 1991 to 1,718 in 2000. A nation-wide ban on moose hunting was imposed in 2001 in response to this decline in moose abundance. The main purpose of this paper is to outline a moose recovery plan in Poland by using verification of hunting records related to moose population numbers, collecting data on population demographic variables, and understanding moose habitat preferences. During 1998–2002 in the forest habitat of north-eastern Poland (total area: 311,400 ha) a line intercept snow track index and plot sampling were used to estimate moose population numbers at 276 animals. It was shown that the population census in this area carried out by hunters in this period through a guess-estimate method overestimated the moose population by 46.0%. Research in Augustowska Forest (110,200 ha) shows that the autumn recruitment rate was 64.4 calves per 100 cows, and the ratio of cows to bulls was 1.34. Analysis of moose population dynamics during 4 hunting seasons (1998–2001) shows that the maximum sustainable harvest is about 30% of population numbers estimated in February. Habitat selection by moose was tested using Bailey's 95% simultaneous confidence intervals. Moose preferred habitats in bog and wet sites dominated by deciduous and mixed forests. The decline in moose populations in Poland over 20 years was caused by overestimation of population numbers and over-harvest. It is suggested that a moose recovery program in Poland should be started by locating 2 large moose management/conservation units where moose population numbers should be estimated by reliable methods, and sustained harvest would then maintain a viable moose population. At the same time, forestry in moose wintering areas should stimulate deciduous browse production as well as providing estimates of forest damage caused by moose using different standards than those applied in lowland commercial forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large population of moose (Alces alces L.) in Finland has resulted in increased browsing damage and traffic accidents. Hunting is the only means available for controlling the moose population. Currently, about 100,000 hunters spend approximately 1 million man-days/year to harvest around 70,000 moose/year. Hunting is a voluntary activity in Finland and hunting rights belong to landowners. However, the social basis of moose hunting is in danger of being eroded. The number of active farms has decreased considerably in recent years and the decrease will continue for the foreseeable future. Out-migration and the aging of the rural population will continue to weaken the vitality of rural areas at least until 2030. This paper examines the current structure of moose hunting clubs in the face of these perceived threats. A quarter of the club leaders estimated that the average age of their members is between 50 and 60 years. While the membership of most hunting clubs has remained static in recent years, signs of future membership problems are acknowledged as young people do not seem to be attracted to moose hunting, and older members are beginning to find hunting too strenuous. If moose hunting clubs are to remain viable, they must meet the challenges presented by changing rural demographic and socio-economic conditions. Pre-conditions for hunting club membership occur in 70 – 80% of clubs and strongly reflect the nature of the current membership structure. Pre-conditions for membership may have to be revised and more will have to be done to attract younger members. While changes in the current governance of moose hunting will be required, these are unlikely to occur in the near future due to local power structures that are vested in the ties between land ownership and moose hunting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term effects of introduced and overabundant herbivores on community development must be monitored and managed in an ecosystem-based forest management approach. This paper builds on previously published ecological descriptions and hypotheses offered on the effects of moose overabundance in Newfoundland. The island, in the absence of wolves, provides a setting for study of local irruptions in moose populations, which now affect an increasing area of the forest. Moose effects occur most often after natural disturbances and logging, involving unique forest succession patterns. We describe some of these changes, along with anticipated and realised changes in associated forest biodiversity. We offer suggestions to improve or refine monitoring of moose populations, especially at local scales, to detect cases of overabundance. Finally, we offer recommendations for the management of overabundant moose populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper documents moose (Alces alces) winter diets in the northern portion of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest region of Ontario. Seventeen of 20 species available along 2,890m of moose foraging path were browsed. Striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), balsam fir (A bies balsamea), and red maple (Acer rubrum) comprised a combined 74 and 56 % of the browse dry weight consumed and available, respectively. Moose used balsam fir, eastern hemlock, and red maple proportionally more than their availability, used sugar maple (Acer saccharum), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), and mountain ash (Sorbus americana) proportionally less than their availability, and used striped maple, beaked hazel (Corylus cornuta), and mountain maple (Acer spicatum) proportional to their availability. The important contribution of striped maple and eastern hemlock to moose diets contrast with other studies. These results may be used to assist in the evaluation of moose winter habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an overview of moose management in northeastern Minnesota with an emphasis on relationships between the State and Tribal entities that share management responsibility. Specific topics discussed include settlement of treaty rights issues, harvest allocation and strategies, and the evolving State-Tribal partnerships that have been created during the past 15 years. Brief updates on the status of moose in Minnesota, population monitoring efforts, population goals, and the future direction of management are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews several big fluctuations in moose (Alces alces) numbers and related problems in Estonia during the last century. The biggest conflict appeared during the period 1960 - 1980, when the moose population achieved its highest density. The result of the overpopulation of moose was extensive forest damage. The establishment of a monitoring system and its acceptance by game management authorities at the beginning of the 1990s contributed to the improvement of the situation. The monitoring includes both the estimation of moose population parameters and estimation of moose influence on forest regeneration. Current moose numbers match the optimal population level outlined in the Estonian Environmental Strategy, approximately 10,000 animals, and forest damage has decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple fecundity (i.e., >2 fetuses or calves per female) is a rare and poorly known phenomenon in moose (Alces alces). In this paper I: (I) report the frequency of multiple fecundity of moose in Finland; (2) study the frequencies of multiple fecundity in different years and areas; (3) discuss the viability of litters with different numbers of progeny; and (4) discuss the possible fecundity effects of selective harvest and the evolutionary aspects of multiple fecundity. The embryo numbers of harvested cows were counted during 1980-89 (n = 2,347) and the proportion of single, twin, and triplet calves were determined from the 1986-99 moose observation material recorded in the field by hunters during the hunting season (n = 585,149). The material includes 4 sets of quadruplet calves, I set of stillborn sextuplets, and a moose female with 5 sets of triplet calves; a total of 3O calves in 15 years. In Finland, 60.38% of pregnant moose cows had one, 39.37% two, 0.21% three, and 0.04% four embryos. In the observation material, 61.79% of the cows had one calf, 38.18% twin calves, and 0.03% triplet calves. The proportion of multiple cases decreased from south to north. The viability of single and twin calves was found to be very high, but only 15% of the sets of triplet calves seemed to survive up to the first fall. Calf survival rate was clearly higher in 1980-99 than in 1963-66, possibly depending on the different age structures of the female populations. According to the literature, the frequency of multiple fecundity in moose appears to be lower in North American than European moose populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about several papers discussed at the 44th North American Moose Conference held at Idaho State University (ISU) in Pocatello, Idaho on June 14-17, 2009 on moose research, biology, and management. Topics include the theoretical and applied material of interest to moose managers and biologist, productivity of populations and climate change, and the genetics of moose. The conference featured several speakers including Pamela Crowell, John Kie, and Kris Hundertmark.

The article offers information on the Distinguished Moose Biologist Award. It mentions that the award was established by the North American Moose Conference and Workshop in 1981 as an approach to honour the outstanding contribution of an organization or and individuals to moose management. It states that the guidelines for nominating include published papers, involvement and participation in the conference and workshop, and field experience.

Information about the activities and topics discussed at the 42nd North American Moose conference and workshop, which was held in Baddeck, Nova Scotia from June 12-16, 2006 is presented. Papers presented on the conference include topics on the First Nations involvement in moose management, disease and parasites and moose-wolf activity patterns. The conference field trip included a drive around the Cabot Trail.