PROPOSED MOOSE TRANSLOCATION TO NORTHWESTERN NEW YORK

Abstract

Public interest has prompted the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to consider accelerating the increase of the moose (Alces alces) population in northern New York. The biological feasibility and social acceptability of the project are the key considerations. Increasing the moose population appears to have a reasonable chance of success based on experiences in New England, Michigan and New York. Collisions with vehicles are likely to be the most serious negative consequences of having more moose. The DEC believes that moose numbers should be increased through a translocation program but is soliciting public opinion before making a decision. The size and distribution of the subsequent population will have to be controlled. Restrictions in the population should be based on the desires of the residents of the region and the likelihood of conflicts with human activities. Controls should eventually be affected through recreational hunting.