Plan to Help Nova Scotia's Mainland Moose

Nova Scotians can help preserve mainland moose by reporting moose sightings and illegal activities such as poaching.

There are many threats to the moose population, including disease and parasites, easier human access to moose habitat, development, forest practices, poaching, acid rain and climate change.

Natural Resources Minister David Morse announced today, May 14, a plan to help protect and increase the moose population on mainland Nova Scotia.

"Moose on mainland Nova Scotia are at risk," said Mr. Morse. "Over the next five years, we hope to enhance the current population and distribution of mainland moose, and address threats that are causing the depletion."

There are two types of moose in Nova Scotia. One type is on Cape Breton Island, where there is a thriving moose population because of the introduction of moose from Alberta in the 1940s into a different habitat, climatic conditions and land-use history. The second type is on the mainland, where there are only 1,000 to 1,200 moose. The population has declined on the mainland by at least 20 per cent over the past 30 years.

The recovery plan will build on preliminary data to identify and alleviate the greatest threats to the mainland moose population.

"The recovery plan is a living document that we will continue to work with, and modify, as new information becomes available," said Mr. Morse. "Preliminary research says there is reason to be optimistic about the future state of Nova Scotia's mainland moose."

The plan was prepared by the Department of Natural Resources in co-operation with the Nova Scotia Mainland Moose Recovery Team. The recovery team has representation from government, academia, industry, aboriginal peoples and non-government organizations.

"The recovery team has put years of hard work into this plan," said Mr. Morse. "A strong and diverse group of people came together to tackle the complex issues surrounding mainland moose and the result is a comprehensive, viable plan."

To report observations of moose and illegal activities, call 1-800-565-2224. The mainland Nova Scotia Moose Recovery Plan is available on the department website: www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/ .