INITIAL PROGRESS OF THE COLORADO MOOSE REINTRODUCTION

• Main Authors: Nowlin, Roy A., Seitz, William K., Denney, Richard N.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Lakehead University 1979
• Subjects: Alces alces
• Online Access: http://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/1711

The Colorado Division of Wildlife reintroduced 24 moose (Alces alces shirasi) into the state in 2 groups of 12 each. The first group was released during March 1978 and the second group was released during January 1979. Before the reintroduction a detailed analysis of release site environment, release action, public interest, and possible controversies was completed. Funding was provided by public donations. All moose were radio collared. There were no mortalities among the reintroduced animals, and all moose remained within 21 km of the release location. Six of 7 cows in the first release group produced 6 calves during spring 1978. A special effort was made to protect moose from illegal hunting during deer and elk hunting seasons by intensive hunter education and increased law enforcement.