Caribou, Deer, Elk & Moose - Sounds Wild
Orphaned Moose Calves

Audio

Download Episode: Orphaned Moose Calves (MP3 file 1,407 kB)

Transcript

Orphaned moose calves

Early summer in Southcentral Alaska, and songbirds have returned to the forests. Birds are nesting, bears have emerged from hibernation, and moose are calving.

During calving season, Alaskans see moose calves in urban and wild areas. Sometimes the calves are unattended, and some people assume they're orphaned or abandoned. But in most cases, calves do have a mother moose nearby - and the she'll soon return. Cow moose often leave their calves in a place they feel is safe while they go off to feed, water, or rest. The cow doesn't stay with the calf at all times of day, especially when calves are very young.

Every spring, Fish and Game receives calls to rescue "abandoned or orphaned" moose calves. In almost all cases, these calves do not need to be "rescued." It's important to leave these animals alone. It can be dangerous to get too close to calves. While sometimes the mother may not be in sight, she may well be nearby and can be fiercely protective. Moose are powerful animals and people have been seriously hurt and killed by defensive moose.

It is illegal for anyone to capture or possess wildlife, including moose, without a permit from Fish and Game. Don't rescue or capture a wild animal. If you have a question or concern about an animal that appears to be orphaned, call your local Fish and Game office.