MOOSE AND SALT: A REVIEW OF RECENT RESEARCH IN ONTARIO

Abstract

Recent mineral-related research on moose in Ontario is reviewed. Known natural licks in Ontario are mineral-rich springs. They occur in areas of sedimentary and volcanic bedrock, but rarely on granitic bedrock. An initial study indicated variable chemical composition, but sampling methods were inadequate. Improved methods were therefore devised and tested. All licks sampled by the new technique proved to be rich in Na, but high levels of other elements were common. In a cafeteria experiment at a natural lick, moose and white-tailed deer selected Na salts but not salts of Ca, Mg, K or Fe. No selection of anions (CL, HCO₃, SO₄) was apparent. Moose use the licks mainly in spring and early summer, generally starting with the green-up and ending when aquatic feeding becomes common. During this period moose are often attracted to highways by accumulations of road salt in puddles. In preliminary work, moose were readily attracted for public viewing by artificial licks which were similar to natural licks.