PALMER - An experimental program to increase the survival of
moose calves on the west side of Cook Inlet by capturing bears
with foot snares has concluded with the removal of 81 black
bears. Alaska Department of Fish & Game biologists say they are
cautiously optimistic that surveys of the area to be completed
in late November will show moose calf survival increased.
Biologists say predation by bears and wolves was previously
identified as the primary factor in a rapid decline over the
past decade in moose numbers in Game Management Unit 16B. Bears
are responsible for most moose calf predation in spring and
early summer. While foot-snaring has been used to capture and
radio collar bears over the past two decades, officials say it
was the first snaring effort designed to reduce bear numbers.
Juneau Empire ©2013. All Rights Reserved.