| Methods |
Diversionary feeding is a technique to increase moose calf survival in areas where moose populations are subject to bear predation. Diversionary feeding involves placing food baits throughout moose calving areas. Baits are established during the 3-4 week calving period so that grizzly and black bears and, to a lesser extent, wolves will consume the baits instead of killing neonates (new-born offspring); once neonates are a few weeks old, they are much less vulnerable to predation by bears. Baits were slung by helicopter and placed within the core area that was used by radio-collared cow moose during the May-June period. Bait was primarily road or rail-killed moose supplemented with fish. To determine the moose population response to the diversionary feeding, winter cow:calf ratios and hunter harvests were monitored in the Parsnip (experimental) and Prince George (control) areas. Cow:calf surveys (stratified random block and randomly selected areas) were restricted to regenerating cutblocks and natural forest openings. Surveys were conducted by helicopter and occurred before (3 yrs), during (4 yrs), and after (3 yrs) the diversionary feeding. The number of moose harvested were based on hunter surveys for resident and non-resident hunters from 1991 to 2000. In addition, the presence or absence of calves for 16 radio-collared moose were monitored 2-5 times per year in the Parsnip. |
