MOOSE POPULATIONS ON THE KENAI NATIONAL MOOSE RANGE
Abstract
Moose populations on the Kenai National Moose Range have fluctuated following major wildfires since at least the mid-1880’s. After a 1,255 km2 wildfire in 1947, the moose population increased at least 13 percent per year to 1959. Fluctuated around a peak of 8,000 moose between 190 and 1971, then declined at least 10 percent per year to an estimated 4,000 moose in 1976. The primary cause of the decline appears to be the loos of quality winter range associated with plant succession and perhaps browse overutilization. During severe winters, natural mortality rates are high and among calves may reach 87 percent. The poor condition of the range is reflected in the poor physiological condition of moose. Moose may also be affected by a copper deficiency in their diet. Hunting and natural predation may also have contributed to the present decline. To stabilize the herd, harvests have been reduced and winter range is being maintained by mechanically crushing areas of advanced plant growth.
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