THE HISTORY AND CURRENT STATUS OF MOOSE IN NEW YORK

• Main Author: Hicks, Alan
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Lakehead University 1986
• Subjects: Alces alces
• Online Access: http://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/1341

Moose (Alces alces) occurred in New York during the Pleistocene and the aboriginal periods, but were extirpated by 1861. Small scale restoration efforts, all unsuccessful, were undertaken between 1878 and 1902. From 1935 to 1980, 15-21 moose immigrated to New York, none of which were observed more than 13 months after their initial sighting. Approximately 6 moose entered New York in 1980, and records of observations have been collected since then. Five calves have been reported and four bulls have been found dead, three from illegal shooting. Necropsies of the four revealed no evidence of brain worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) infection. In 1985 an estimated 11 moose resided in New York and two were radio collared. Moose presence will continue to be monitored.