News release

Mainland Moose Continue to be Poached

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are again asking for the public's help as they investigate the second incident of moose poaching on the mainland within the past month.

A hide was discovered floating in South Branch Apple River, Cumberland Co., on Friday, Oct. 12. It is presumed that the moose was killed Thanksgiving weekend, the meat was taken and the remains were dumped in the river.

"We can't stress enough how detrimental poaching is to the moose population on mainland Nova Scotia," said Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "Each and every moose we have left is precious and in an effort to increase the mainland moose population, we need the public's help to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for this offence."

In October 2003, moose on mainland Nova Scotia were listed as "endangered" under the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act. Today, there are about 1,000 moose on mainland Nova Scotia.

Individuals convicted of illegally killing the animal have received fines of about $7,500. Under terms of the act, a first- time offence can face a $500,000 maximum fine for individuals and $1 million for corporations. These fines can double with each additional mainland moose killed.

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

Please call 1-800-565-2224 with any information on this incident or others. Any information leading to a conviction will result in a $2,000 cash reward.