NATURAL RESOURCES–-Death of Moose to be Investigated
Department of Natural Resources
October 3, 2008 2:48 PM
The death of a mainland moose near Pictou on Thursday, Oct. 2, is being investigated by the Department of Natural Resources.
Department conservation officers were attempting to relocate a young bull moose from a residential area where it had been spotted during several days. It was determined that the moose should be moved for the safety of the public and moose.
Conservation officers tranquilized the moose and began an airlift to Shubenacadie, however, it died about 15 minutes after being shot with a tranquilizer.
Department officials that spoke to media Thursday were not aware that the moose had fallen from the sling as the helicopter took off. The moose may have been ill, and may have died from a combination of stress, the tranquilizer, and the fall. The moose carcass is at Atlantic Veterinary College in P.E.I. for a necropsy to determine the cause of death.
"Our wildlife officers take every precaution when it comes to protecting endangered species," said Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "It's possible that an equipment malfunction may have been a factor in the moose's death and, if so, we want to ensure that it won't happen again."
Mainland moose in Nova Scotia are an endangered species threatened by disease and parasites.
"Nova Scotia's mainland moose are a species at risk," said Mr. Morse. "Though the death of this young moose is unfortunate, it's possible that the necropsy will provide clues to the reasons for the population decrease."
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The death of a moose near Pictou Thursday (October 2nd)
is being investigated by the Department of Natural Resources.
Conservation officers were attempting to relocate a young
moose from a residential area where it had been seen for
several days. They tranquilized the moose and began an airlift to
Shubenacadie, however, the moose died about 15 minutes later.
Department officials that spoke to media Thursday were not
aware that the moose had fallen from the sling as the helicopter
took off. The moose may have been ill, and may have died from a
combination of stress, the tranquilizer, and the fall. The moose
carcass will undergo a necropsy to determine the cause of death.
Natural Resources Minister David Morse says every precaution
is taken when protecting endangered species, and if an equipment
malfunction was a factor in the death, he wants to ensure that it
won't happen again.
-30-
Media Contact: Dan Davis
Natural Resources
902-424-2354
E-mail: davisds@gov.ns.ca
The death of a mainland moose near Pictou on Thursday, Oct. 2, is being investigated by the Department of Natural Resources.
Department conservation officers were attempting to relocate a young bull moose from a residential area where it had been spotted during several days. It was determined that the moose should be moved for the safety of the public and moose.
Conservation officers tranquilized the moose and began an airlift to Shubenacadie, however, it died about 15 minutes after being shot with a tranquilizer.
Department officials that spoke to media Thursday were not aware that the moose had fallen from the sling as the helicopter took off. The moose may have been ill, and may have died from a combination of stress, the tranquilizer, and the fall. The moose carcass is at Atlantic Veterinary College in P.E.I. for a necropsy to determine the cause of death.
"Our wildlife officers take every precaution when it comes to protecting endangered species," said Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "It's possible that an equipment malfunction may have been a factor in the moose's death and, if so, we want to ensure that it won't happen again."
Mainland moose in Nova Scotia are an endangered species threatened by disease and parasites.
"Nova Scotia's mainland moose are a species at risk," said Mr. Morse. "Though the death of this young moose is unfortunate, it's possible that the necropsy will provide clues to the reasons for the population decrease."
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The death of a moose near Pictou Thursday (October 2nd)
is being investigated by the Department of Natural Resources.
Conservation officers were attempting to relocate a young
moose from a residential area where it had been seen for
several days. They tranquilized the moose and began an airlift to
Shubenacadie, however, the moose died about 15 minutes later.
Department officials that spoke to media Thursday were not
aware that the moose had fallen from the sling as the helicopter
took off. The moose may have been ill, and may have died from a
combination of stress, the tranquilizer, and the fall. The moose
carcass will undergo a necropsy to determine the cause of death.
Natural Resources Minister David Morse says every precaution
is taken when protecting endangered species, and if an equipment
malfunction was a factor in the death, he wants to ensure that it
won't happen again.
-30-
Media Contact: Dan Davis
Natural Resources
902-424-2354
E-mail: davisds@gov.ns.ca