Moose Roundup

Keeping tabs on animal populations is important in ensuring the health and viability of animal populations. Wildlife biologists and scientists monitor animal populations for a variety of reasons. Using a variety of monitoring techniques including tracking, medical tests, and observation scientists can determine the health of a species, the habits of a species, and the needs of a species.

Monitoring some animals can be difficult. In New Hampshire, keeping tabs on the moose population is a priority to scientists, but capturing and tagging wild moose sometimes calls for extreme measures!

In Milan, New Hampshire, the appearance of "moose wranglers" from Wyoming's Hawkins and Powers Wildlife Capture Team signifies the beginning of a major moose study.

Using helicopters and net-guns, the wranglers capture and radio-collar cow and calf moose, while Wildlife Journal's cameras follow the action. Using GPS technology, a team of researchers from the University of New Hampshire will track the lives of these moose for four years, in a scientific attempt to finally solve some mysteries about New Hampshire's moose herd. If the scientists are successful, their findings will help them manage for critical moose habitat -- which will, in turn, increase the potential for winter survival of moose and their calving success.

Key Concepts

• Tracking Wildlife

Other Concepts

• Population
• Home Range
• Conifer Forest
• Habitat Loss

NH Social Studies Connection

• Naming Animals

Taking Action

• Observing Wildlife
• Leave No Trace