Denby S. Lloyd, Commissioner
Jennifer Yuhas, Communications Director
P.O. Box115526
Juneau, Alaska 99811
Phone: (907) 465-6137 • Fax: (907) 465-2332
Press Release: No. 09-17, June 19, 2009
Contacts: Corey Rossi, Assistant Commissioner: (907)267-2147 Corey.Rossi@alaska.gov
ADF&G Continues Working to Place Orphaned Moose Calves and Needs Your Help
In accordance with Governor Sarah Palin’s policy to increase moose survival, the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) is continuing to work diligently to assist orphaned moose calves this summer.
Department officials yesterday facilitated the transport of two moose calves to the Alaska Zoo.
Such facilities are important because newborn moose calves are extremely vulnerable to disease and other environmental factors. Moose calves picked up by well-meaning people are often fed the wrong food, or too much of the right food, resulting in their deaths within a matter of days. Once captured, these orphans require professional animal care. Even with quality human care, calf survival is greatly diminished without a cow to teach them
“We certainly hope the first calf will make it, unfortunately it was housed for five days before we were notified. It’s really too bad to see well intended people confused about how they can actually help.” said Assistant Commissioner Corey Rossi. “People don’t understand how long is long enough to determine whether or not a calf has actually been orphaned or let it call for it’s mother long enough before intervening. Our staff makes every attempt to reunite these calves and has been successful on 31 occasions in the last four years. Once calves are permanently separated from their mother their chance of survival is significantly decreased, even with the care of a professional facility.”
The department continues outreach efforts to facilities able to house orphaned calves.
Want to help a moose? Do not attempt to personally intervene. Picking up moose calves believed to be orphaned or abandoned is illegal without a permit. Some lone calves may not in fact be orphaned. You can help by contacting our department and allowing our professional biologists to assist orphaned moose calves. Call your local ADF&G office if you suspect a calf has been orphaned and requires assistance.
Thank you once again for your assistance in making this a safe season for moose and people as we all work together.###
