Caption: Aerial view of two bull and one cow moose during moose surveys on Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge. Photographer: G. Kuhn Date: November 2004, Kanuti NWR

Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge conducted its aerial fall moose survey November 1 through 4, 2005, thanks to early snowfall.  A base of at least 10 inches of snow is needed for the survey in order to cover exposed, low vegetation and increase the visibility of moose.  The Refuge periodically conducts these surveys, in cooperation with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, because of the important role that moose play in the subsistence of local villagers.  Subsistence use is the Refuge’s greatest public use.

Results of the survey show that the population has been relatively stable at a low density since 1999.  The 2005 estimate was 1,025 moose for a density of 0.38 moose per square mile.  Prior estimates ranged from estimate of 842 moose in 2004 (density of 0.31) to a maximum of 1,052 moose in 1999 (density of 0.39).  The levels of variability associated with these estimates indicate no real change in the population.

Data on the Refuge’s moose population are required for evaluating potential effects of proposed changes to federal subsistence and state hunting regulations.  These data, coupled with information on the refuge’s wolf population, will be important in assessing the effects of proposed predator control on land adjacent to the Refuge, should the proposal pass.  The most recent wolf survey was conducted on the Refuge in March 2005.  

For further information contact Refuge Manager Mike Spindler at 907-456-0331.