LOCALadk Magazine
Issue link: https://localadkmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1263803
18 Summer 2020 LOCALadk Magazine LOCALadk MOOSE Sightings As wildlife encounters go in the Adirondacks, seeing a moose is at the top of most people's list. Although it is happening more often, it is still rare and exciting for those who happen to be at the right place at the right time. The Department of Environmental Conser vation (DEC) recently completed a multi-year study to identif y the best method of monitoring moose populations in the Adirondacks; they found using helicopters to be the most efficient and effective approach. Based on results from those sur veys, they estimate that there are approximately 400 moose in the Adirondacks. The DEC also keeps track of moose-vehicle collisions and public sightings of moose. This is helpful to plan sur vey routes and can reveal shifts in moose distribution. If you are lucky enough to spot a moose in the park please note the location and share that information with the DEC . The DEC says that, Moose are susceptible to a few fatal parasites, including brain worm, liver fluke, and winter ticks. Of these, brain worm and liver fluke appear to be important mortality factors for moose in New York. In other northeastern states, winter ticks have a greater impact on moose populations. Winter ticks are present in the Adirondacks, but are not yet a major contributor to moose mortality, likely due to lower densities of moose in New York compared to neighboring states. We asked several people who have recently seen moose to share, not only photos, but to describe the scene and the feel- ing. Please enjoy these thoughts about several different personal encounters with moose. My most memorable moose encoun- ter was on a beautiful August day, bush- whacking in the Dix Wilderness. I was mak- ing my way up a streambed when I came upon fresh moose tracks and scat. After a few hundred feet, all signs of the moose had disappeared. As I continued upward, climbing over rocks and fallen trees, I heard an odd sound. I looked up to see a moose directly above me! I froze and slow- ly distanced myself. The young bull was not fazed by my presence. He continued to eat leaves for about ten minutes, before disappearing into the woods. - Sam Perkins