HABITAT USE BY MOOSE IN SOUTHWESTERN ALBERTA

Abstract

Moose (Alces alces shirasi) numbers and use of habitat were studies on the Streeter Basin Experimental Watershed in the montane aspen zone of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, between 1969 and 1983. Habitat use was measured by pellet counts and direct observation in relation to climatic influences. Moose winter use was heavy in shrubland and dense aspen forest and low in herbland. Upper slopes were selected while lower slopes were rejected. Exposures facing away from the sun were significantly preferred to sunny exposures. In spring, moose used cover types in proportion to their occurrence but increased their use of upper slopes. Shaded aspects were strongly preferred. Winter use of shaded exposures probably resulted from the occurrence of more browse-producing aspen forest and shrubland on those exposures. Spring observations reflect greater movement in open areas and selection of cooler shaded locations on lower, north and east-facing slopes, especially those with aspen forest.