Additional moose captured for study

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports that seven cow moose were darted and captured in the East Cabinet study area south of Libby this week and fitted with radio collars.

According to FWP research technician Jesse Newby, biologists are looking at disease load, other measures of animal health, reproductive rates and calf survival for the collared moose.

A total of 16 radio-collared moose currently roam the East Cabinets area, which consistently accounts for about 15-25 harvest moose each year. Concerns include disease, parasites, predation, lack of logging, and subsequent poor habitat.

“This is the continuation of a long-term research effort to learn more about Montana moose ecology,” Region 1 wildlife manager Jim Williams said. “Another important aspect of the work is to refine our moose survey techniques to better reflect moose population trends.”

FWP contracted with Quicksilver, a helicopter-based team from Alaska, to capture the moose. Plum Creek Timber Inc. provided a helicopter to aid in spotting moose for the Quicksilver team.

“Good wildlife and good forest management often go hand in hand,” Plum Creek biologist Lorin Hicks said. “We share a common goal to find out more about how moose use forested habitats.”

FWP is conducting the moose study in light of decreasing moose populations and declining hunter opportunity. Biologists are working to capture additional moose in each of two other study areas that are part of the long-term research effort — the Big Hole Valley and the Rocky Mountain Front.