Biologists say leave baby moose alone

WASILLA — Wildlife experts have some advice for anyone whose maternal instincts might kick in at the sight of a spindly-legged moose calf left on its own: Keep away.

“Just because a calf is out there alone doesn’t always mean they’re orphaned or abandoned,” said Tony Kavalok, assistant director of the Alaska Division of Wildlife Conservation.

Moose calving season is about to get underway in the Mat-Su Valley, where the peak birthing period typically occurs between May 20 and 25. Kavalok said that in addition to staying away from calves, folks should also try to keep pets close by during calving season.

“Knowing the calves are going to be out there, people should keep their dogs close by,” he said.

Moose mamas will often leave their calves for several hours while they forage for food. When people see the young moose on their own, their first instinct is often to assume the animal has been abandoned. That’s usually not the case, he said.

“It’s practical, it makes sense to stash the calf somewhere,” he said.

If a baby moose seems to be on its own for a day or two, that’s when people should think about calling Fish and Game biologists, he said. The best thing to do, however, is usually to simply let nature take its course.

“Calves have a much better chance of surviving if they get to be with their mom,” he said.

Palmer Fish and Game biologist Todd Rinaldi said moose calving season in the Mat-Su usually begins around the middle of May. Moose breed in the fall and have a gestation period of about 231 days, he said.

Like Kavalok, Rinaldi said the most important thing humans can do during the calving season is to give moose a wide berth and never assume calves have been abandoned. Leaving young animals alone is something that’s quite common, he said.

“Both cow moose and sow bears frequently cache their offspring,” Rinaldi said.

If people do observe moose with young calves, Rinaldi said it’s also important not to add any stress during what’s already a trying time for the animals.

“We want people to observe them from a distance,” he said.

If a baby moose does become orphaned, Rinaldi said Fish and Game staff will respond to try and save the animal. But the chances of an orphaned moose calf surviving in captivity, he said, are not good.

“Rearing calves in captivity is not very successful,” he said.

Another important thing to remember during calving season, he said, is that mama moose can be extremely aggressive. That means they should be given a wide berth lest folks find themselves on the wrong side of the animals’ hooves.

“The mothers are really protective and good at defending their calves,” he said.

If someone does see a calf that appears to be abandoned, Rinaldi said they can call Fish and Game at 746-6300 and officers will respond to observe the animal. However, he said people should definitely not try to step in on their own to help.

“First of all, that’s illegal,” he said. “There are trained professionals who can handle these issues.”

Contact Frontiersman editor Matt Tunseth at 352-2268 or email news@frontiersman.com