INFLUENCE OF PREDATORS ON SUMMER MOVEMENTS OF MOOSE IN SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA

Authors

  • Warren B. Ballard
  • Craig L. Gardner
  • Sterling D. Miller

Abstract

During late spring and early summer from 1977 through 1979, 168 moose (Alces alces gigas) calves were radio-collared for mortality studies in the Nelchina and upper Susitna River basins. These studies provided an opportunity to monitor cow-calf movements during summer and to evaluate some factors influencing these movements. Moose movements during summer in areas of different brown bear (Ursus arctos) densities were compared. Moose calf movements were correlated with age and brown bear densities. Cow-calf home ranges and linear movements during the 6 weeks following parturition were greater in areas of high bear densities and decreased following removal of bears from one area. Larger cow-calf home ranges resulted, at least partially, from attempts by moose to avoid predators. We believe that once calves attain an age of 6-8 weeks, their ability to evade bears is considerably greater than before.

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Published

1980-01-01

How to Cite

Ballard, W. B., Gardner, C. L., & Miller, S. D. (1980). INFLUENCE OF PREDATORS ON SUMMER MOVEMENTS OF MOOSE IN SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA. Alces, 16, 338–359. Retrieved from https://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/1661

Issue

Vol. 16 (1980): Alces Vol. 16 (1980)

Section

Articles

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