Refuge staff attaches tracking collar to moose.

Thirty-one cow moose were captured with tranquilizer guns on Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and fitted with collars and satellite transmitters as part of a State of Alaska/ Refuge study of moose movements.  The study focuses on an area in the Refuge along the Sterling Highway, between miles 58 and 79.  This area has a high number of moose-vehicle collisions. Proposed highway improvements may increase vehicle speeds so managers are trying to identify major moose crossing areas and efforts needed to reduce moose-vehicle collisions at these sites.  Of 31 collared moose, 30 are providing regular movement information via satellite GPS technology downloaded at the biologist's desk.  Additional aspects of the study include placement of new roadside mile markers to enable people to more accurately report wildlife crossings and moose-vehicle collisions.