NLIS 2
May 18, 2001
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)
 

Minister discourages removal of moose calves

As the season of camping, fishing and other outdoor activities begins Kevin Aylward, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and the minister responsible for wildlife, would like to remind the public that this is also the season when people will encounter wildlife with their newborn young, or young animals who appear to be on their own.

Minister Aylward said every year government officials have to deal with moose calves, and occasionally, young of other species, removed from the woods by well-meaning people.

"Please leave these animals alone," asked the minister. "If a calf is obviously injured, or if you are certain that the mother is dead you should contact the Wildlife Division. In addition to moose calves, this rule should also be applied to other wildlife species."

Aylward said 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.

Many calves taken from the woods go to the Salmonier Nature Park each year. Despite the fact that considerable efforts are made, it is impossible to raise them all. Like most zoos and wildlife parks in Canada, Salmonier has a very limited need for more moose and only a few of facilities in this country are suitably equipped and staffed to handle moose. Following captivity it becomes increasingly difficult to release a calf back to the wild.

"I know that people have good intentions when they bring moose calves out of the woods," said the mnister. "However their desire to help nature in these situations is usually misplaced."

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Communications, (709) 729-0928

For more information, contact:

John Blake, Manager (A), Salmonier Nature Park., (709) 637-2354
Mac Pitcher, Animal Curator, Salmonier Nature Park, (709) 229-7888

Wildlife emergencies: (709) 729-0466 or 729-4654

2001 05 18                         1:30 p.m.