5 Eastern Not listed STATUS Endangered Alces alces americana (Mainland Population)

There are likely fewer than 1000 moose living throughout mainland Nova Scotia, with concentrations in the Tobeatic Wilderness and Cobequid Mountains. Population Range Habitat Moose are herbivores who live in boreal and mixed-wood forests. They are often found where there is an abundance of food (twigs, stems, and foliage of young deciduous trees and shrubs). In spring, islands and peninsulas are often used by cows when giving birth. In summer, access to (and aquatic vegetation) is important. R N D

S N © Species Description The Eastern Moose is the largest member of the Cervidae () family. It has a solid torso and short tail, with long legs and broad, high shoulders. Moose have a short neck, broad over-hanging R R N N D muzzle and long ears. Their fur has a coarse, brittle D

S S N texture and varies in colour from shades of brown, N © © to brown-black, to grey. Adult males are known for their large, palmate (broad and flattened) antlers People see moose on or near the road while driving, and outdoor-folk and the “bell” or dewlap that hangs on the upper sometimes encounter moose in the woodland and habitat throat region. Moose track and droppings described above. Interesting Points Threats to Survival Native moose in Cape Poaching (made easier with Breton disappeared by the increased access via roads 1800s; found there and OHVs). today were introduced from Recreational based in the 1940s. disturbance. Evidence suggests that Disease and parasites (brain R N D

mainland moose have worm and winter tick). S N

nearly gone extinct twice in © Pollution (heavy metals, the past. Bull moose acidification and global R N D

A mechanical moose warming). S N

nicknamed “Bullwinkle” has Habitat loss and © been used to catch poachers modification. Sick mainland moose on mainland Nova Scotia. Hunting Mainland How You Can Help Moose is Illegal Do not disturb moose! Report sightings, or signs like antlers R N D To Report Illegal Activity: or scat - take a photograph, S N

Phone 1-800-565-2224 © note the date, time and Cow moose

location. Report observations L L I

Due to the covert nature of H to the hotline below, or fill in R E V

poaching, it is impossible to A C an online form at: N A

count how many mainland N N E R B moose are illegally slaught- www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/ © ered. Recent enforcement web/msform.htm Scat is the size and shape of chocolate almonds actions by NS DNR clearly show that illegal harvest is a Contacts, Information & Sighting Reports serious threat to the long Contact: NS Department of Natural Resources at (902) 679-6091 term health of moose in some Info: www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/ , www.cpawsns.org/moose/

mainland areas of Nova R N

D Sighting Reports: 1-866-727-3447 or [email protected]

S Scotia. N 6 ©