May 15, 1998
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Minister discourages removal of moose calves

The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods issued a caution today. Don't remove moose calves from their natural surroundings.

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, said every year government officials have to deal with moose calves removed from the woods by well-meaning people. "We understand that people have good intentions when they bring moose calves out of the woods," he said, "but their desire to help nature in these situations is usually misplaced." In addition to moose calves, this rule should also be applied to other wildlife species.

If people remove a calf which appears to be abandoned because its mother is off feeding or because a disturbance from people caused the mother to move a short distance away, they are putting themselves in considerable danger. A mother moose, sensing that her calf is threatened, may attack and cause considerable injury to someone. Such instances have occurred in the past.

Contact: Mac Pitcher, Animal Curator, Salmonier Nature Park , (709) 729-6974

              David Wells, Communications, (709) 729-618383

1998 05 15 11:25 a.m.