Causes of Neonatal Moose Calf Mortality in South Central Alaska

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1981
Authors:Ballard, WB, Spraker, TH, P. Kenton, T
Journal:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume:45
Pagination:335-342
Date Published:1981
ISBN Number:0022541X
Keywords:Ursus arctos
Abstract:

During spring 1977 and 1978, 136 moose (Alces alces gigas) calves were radio-collared in the Nelchina and Susitna river basins of south central Alaska in an effort to determine causes of mortality. Thirteen calves (9.5%) died as a result of collaring activities. Of 123 remaining calves exhibiting normal cow-calf bonds, contact with 3 calves was lost and 66 (55%) died of natural causes. Predation by brown bears (Ursus arctos) was the most important cause of mortality, accounting for 79% of the deaths. Timing of the deaths of radio-collared calves was similar to that of uncollared calves of radio-collared adults, which indicated that collaring did not predispose the calves to predation. Ninety-four percent of the natural mortality occurred before 19 July each year. Little scavenging of either abandoned or predator-killed calves was observed. Radio-collared brown bears were observed on 78 kills during 1978, averaging 1 ungulate kill/6.1 observation days. Moose of all age-classes comprised 87% of the kills and calves were the most common prey (57%). Identification of brown bear as a significant predator of moose complicates attempts to understand and manage ungulate-carnivore relationships.

URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/3807916
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