NLIS 4
June 9, 2003
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

 

Minister discourages removal of moose calves

Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, reminds people in Newfoundland and Labrador that this is the season when people may encounter wildlife with their newborn or young animals on their own.

"Each year, officials from my department are called to assist with moose calves, and occasionally young of other species, removed from the woods by well-meaning people," said Minister Bettney. "Only if a calf is injured, or if you are certain that the mother is dead, should the young be removed."

While there is an obvious threat to the ability of these animals to survive in the wild after being removed from their surroundings, there is potential danger to the individuals involved as well.

"A mother moose, sensing that her calf is threatened, may attack and cause considerable injury to the individual or individuals involved," said the minister. "If people remove a calf which appears to be abandoned because its mother is off feeding, they are putting themselves in considerable danger. The mother may have been startled by a disturbance and may still be nearby."

In addition to moose calves, this rule should also be applied to other wildlife species.

Many calves taken from the wild go to the Salmonier Nature Park each year. Despite the fact that a considerable effort is involved, it is impossible to raise every one of them. Even if they are successfully raised, the problem of their future still exists. Like most zoos and wildlife parks in Canada, Salmonier Nature Park has a limited need for additional moose.

Releasing a calf back to the wild is not usually successful since the animal�s ability to survive has been compromised. Handrearing makes the animal quite tame and this may result in the animal remaining too close to residential areas or highways.

"It is important that we permit our wildlife to encounter their natural surroundings. Unless injury is apparent, we must all do our part to ensure that wildlife remains, as the name implies, within the wild," said the minister.

For more information, contact Lucy O�Driscoll, Manager (A), Salmonier Nature Park at (709) 729-2683, or Mac Pitcher, Animal Curator, Salmonier Nature Park at (709) 229-7888.

Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2003 06 09                                        12:40 p.m.


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