HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPA917I __
QL
737
.U512
8359
1978
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
JUNEAU, ALASKA
STATE OF ALASKA
Jay S. Hammond, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Ronald 0. Skoog, Commissioner
DIVISION OF GAME
Robert A. Hinman, Director
Donald McKnight, Research Chief
UPPER SUSITNA RIVER MOOSE
POPULATION STUDY
by
Warren B. Ballard
and Kenton P. Taylor
Volume I
Project Progress Report
Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration
Projects W-17-9 and W-17-10 (1st half), Job 1.20R
Persons are free to use material in these reports for educational
or informational purposes. However, since most reports treat only part
of continuing studies, persons intending to use this material in scientific
publications should obtain prior permission from the Department of Fish
and Game. In all cases tentative conclusions should be identified as
\Ch in quotation, and due credit would be appreciated~
(August 1978) ARLIS
Alaska Resources
·Library & Information Services
Anchorage, Alaska
State:
Cooperators:
Project Nos.:
Job No.:
JOB PROGRESS REPORT (RESEARCH)
Alaska
Warren B. Ballard, Kenton P. Taylor, Albert Franzmann,
Ted H. Spraker, and Sterling Eide
W-17-9 &
W-17-10-
1.20R
Project Title: Big Game Investigations
Job Title: Upper Susitna Valley
Moose Population Study
Period Covered:· August 1, 1976 to December 1, 1977.
SUMMARY
A total of 105 adult cow moose were marked with individually
identifiable collars, which included 40 radio collars, in the upper
Susitna River Basin during October 1976 and March 1977. Physical
measurements, blood and hair samples, and one incisor tooth for purposes
of age determination were taken from each moose. During spring tagging
59 moose, of which 52 (88 percent) were pregnant, were rectally palpated
to assess pregnancy.
Mean age of marked moose was approximately 7 years. Fifty-one
percent of the moose sampled were between 5 and 11 years of age. Comparison
of selected blood parameters with those obtained from other moose populations
indicated that upper Susitna River moose were in relatively good condition.
During the reporting period 39 radio-collared moose were located a
total of 584 times. Moose tagged in the eastern half of the study area
exhibited extensive migratory movements while those in other areas were
much more sedentary. Most movements were from higher elevations in
summer to lower elevations in winter. Fall migration was initiated in
November and appeared to be somewhat correlated with the first heavy
snowfall. Spring migration occurred gradually from mid-April through
mid-July. Tentatively, four populations of moose were identified; their
movements are discussed.
Forty-eight flights were made in late spring and summer to monitor
parturition and subsequent survival of calves. Parturition was first
observed on 24 May. Radio-collared cows calved between 25 May and
10 June. Thirty-eight moose produced at least 30 calves, however only
23 percent survived to 1 November. Seventy-eight percent ~the calf
mortality occurred prior to 24 June.
During the reporting period a report was prepared on moose movements
and habitat use on the Susitna River and its relationsh.ips to ~,Pq>J2.C?Sed
Susitna River Hydroelectric Project. The report is contained ~~ix I.
Alaska Resources
Library & Information Services
Anchora~t.e, Alaska
i
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Summary ••
Background. •
Objectives.
Procedures.
Discussion. • • • • • • •
Recommendations • • • • • • •
Acknowledgements. • • • •
Literature Cited. • •••••
Appendix I •••••
CONTENTS
BACKGROUND
• • • • 1
. . . . . . . . . . . . 1
• • • • • 2
• • • • • 2
• • • • • • • • 26
. 33
33
• 34
• • • • • 36
Prior to statehood, management of moose (AZces aZces) in Alaska
with its limited access and sparse human pop~lation required little more
than establishing liberal seasons, conducting sex-age composition counts
and keeping a gross tally of harvest. Moose numbers were increasing
between 1940 and 1960 (Bishop and Rausch 1974). Within the past two
decades, however, Alaska's human population has grown significantly
(Yankee 1974) and there has been a manifold increase in demand for
moose. Consequently, moose management has become more intensive,
requiring detailed knowledge of various population and habitat parameters.
Between 1963 and 1975 over 69,000 moose were harvested in Alaska
(ADF&G unpublished files). Of that total, 23 percent were from the
Nelchina Basin (Game Management Unit [GMU] 13) in Southcentral Alaska.
In the Nelchina Basin moose numbers began to decline after winter 1961-
62 (Bishop and Rausch 1974). Deep snows were thought to have precipitated
that decline and predation and hunting were thought to be preventing
recovery. Mcilroy (1974) suggested that low bull:cow ratios had influenced
conception rates while Bishop and Rausch (1974) considered that habitat
deficiencies may have been at least partially responsible for these declines.
Because of its depressed moose populations and the obvious importance
of Unit 13 to the statewide moose harvest, three interrelated studies
were initiated in an effort to identify both problems and possible
solutions. These studies focused on both moose and wolf (Canis lupus)
population dynamics in addition to testing the hypothesis that wolf
predation was responsible for low calf survival. The latter study
involved removing wolves from a portion of GMU 13 and then measuring
calf survival in following years. In order to properly evaluate the
effects of wolf removal on the study moose herds, it was necessary to
accomplish the following: identify distinct moose populations and
calving areas, and determine pregnancy rates, age structure and physical
condition of these populations. The purpose of this paper is to report
on the first year's results of the moose population identity and movements
study.
The area selected for study is located at the head of the Susitna
River almost directly between the communities of Cantwell and Paxson.
1
The old Denali Highway bisects the area from east to west. Its boundaries
consist of the following: Alaska Mountain Range on the north; Maclaren
River on the east; Maclaren and Susitna Rivers on the south; and the
confluence of Deadman Creek with Susitna River northwest to headwaters
of Brushkana Creek, downstream to Brushkana Creek's confluence with the
Nenana River and then upstream to the Alaska Range on the west.
The area encompasses approximately 7,380 km 2 • Elevations range
from approximately 450 to over 2,800 m. Over 65 percent of the area is
between 450 and 1,200 meters elevation. Vegetation, topography and
general climate were thoroughly described by Skoog (1968) and correspond
to his following units: 2 -Monahan flats, 3 -Clearwater Mountains,
5 -Deadman Lake, 6 -Tangle Lakes, and 8 -Upper Susitna bottomlands.
OBJECTIVES
To determine population identities and seasonal movement patterns
of moose in the upper Susitna Valley.
PROCEDURES
Adult female moose were captured with the aid of helicopter by
darting with 3 cc aluminum darts fired from a CAP-CHUR gun with appropriate
dosages of succinylcholine chloride (Franzmann et al. 1974). Helicopter
capture methods were identical to those used previously on other Alaskan
moose movement studies (Nielson and Shaw 1967). We made no attempt to
capture bull moose.
Captured cow moose were marked either with a radio collar, a colored,
numbered visual collar, or both, permitting individual recognition from
fixed-wing aircraft. Half of the radio collars were color-coded with
canvas tape wrapped around the machine belting. Visual collars were the
same type as those described by Franzmann et al. (1974). Radio collars
were constructed of machine belting 1.3 em thick by 5.4 em wide.
Collars had an inner adjustable circumference ranging from 101 em to
111 em. The belting surrounded the radio components which were encased
in dental acrylic which theoretically made the unit waterproof. The
entire unit weighed 1,133 grams. Radio frequencies were in the 150.000
MHz range. Radio collars were purchased from A.V.M. Instrument Company
(810 Dennison Drive, Champaign, Illinois) and visual collars were obtained
from Denver Tent and Awning Company (Denver, Colorado).
In addition to being collared, each moose was ear-tagged with
numbered metal tags. Most metal tags were accompanied with 5 em x 13 em
piece of colored polyvinyl plastic. Tags were affixed to the base of
the ear.
Each captured moose was immediately fitted with a collar and,
if time and/or the animal's behavior permitted, additional data were
collected. We attempted to extract a lower incisor tooth from each
animal for determining its age using the methods described by Sargent
and Pimlott (1959).
2
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Blood was extracted from the jugular vein into sterile evacuated
containers. Upon return from the field, the blood was centrifuged to
separate sera which were placed into 5 ml plastic vials and immediately
frozen. One-ml samples were later sent to Alaska Medical Laboratories,
Anchorage, Alaska for blood chemistry analysis (Technical Autoanalyzer
SMA-12) and protein electrophoresis (Franzmann and Arneson 1973).
Generally three or four 10-ml vials were filled 1/3 to 1/2 full. One of
the vials contained heparin which provided whole blood for determination
of percent hemoglobin (Hb) using an HB-meter (Americal Optical Corporation,
Buffalo, New York) and packed cell volume (PcV) using a micro-hematocrit
centrifuge (Readocrit-Clay-Adama Company, Parsippany, N.J.). Remaining
sera are being stored for possible future analysis.
Hair samples were plucked from the shoulder hump area. Samples
will be analyzed in conjuction with studies performed by Franzmann et al.
(1975) to aid in assessing physical condition. Physical measurements of
most moose included total length, heart girth, and length of hind foot.
We attempted to subiectively estimate the physical condition of each
moose using the index criteria developed by Franzmann and Arneson (1973).
During spring taggi~g we rectally palpated (Greer and Hawkins 1967) each
moose to determine pregnancy. Data pertaining to each individual moose
were placed on numbered tagging cards .
\
Radio signals were received with a 4-band, 48-channel portable
receiver purchased from A.V.M. Instrument Co. Radio-collared moose
were tracked from either a Piper PA-18 Supercub or STOL Cessna 180
fixed-wing aircraft. Tracking methods and equipment used were similar
to those described by Mech (1974). Initially, radio-collared moose were
tracked every 3 to 4 weeks. From mid-May through mid-July flights were
conducted every 3 to 5 days to obtain data on parturition and subsequent
calf survival. Thereafter, radio-collared moose were monitored every
6-8 weeks.
No special flights were made to specifically search for visually-
collared cows. All observations of these animals were made incidental
to other activities. When tagged moose were located their location was
recorded on U.S.G.S. maps with a scale of 1:250,000. Numbers, sex and
age of associates were also recorded. Public sightings of collared
adults were recorded. Beginning in March 1977 habitat descriptions for
each moose sighting were recorded based upon criteria developed during
the first 6 months of the study. These data will be reported in subsequent
reports. Moose activity was classified and recorded for each sighting
into one of four classes: standing, bedded, feeding or running.
During 1976-77 a total of 105 adult cow moose were tagged within,
or close to, the Susitna River Study Area; 41 from 21 to 28 October
1976, and 64 from 18 to 23 March 1977. Forty of these moose were fitted
with radio collars and the remainder were marked with visual collars.
Twenty of the moose radio-collared in the spring were additionally
marked with visual collars.
3
RESULTS
A summary of tagging location, moose numbers, physical measurements,
age, and other statistics associated with tagging is presented in
Tables 1 and 2. During both tagging periods we experienced considerable
difficulty in sedating adult moose. Successful drug dosages in the fall
ranged from 27 to 31 mg (average 28 mg) and those in the spring ranged
from 23 to 29 mg (average 27 mg)~ During both tagging efforts several
moose were darted but never responded to the drug and consequently were
not collared. Dosages which did not sedate certain moose unexpectedly
killed others--three in the fall and five in the spring. The length of
time necessary for a moose to respond to the drug was variable, ranging
from 3 to 21 minutes.
We observed considerable variation in the physical condition of
collared moose. Fall index values ranged from 6 to 8 (average 6.7)
and spring values ranged from 4 to 8 (average 6.4).
Considerable variation was also observed in the relative size of
individual moose. Total length measurements ranged from 244 to 325 em,
while hind foot and heart girth ranged from 68 to 89 em and from 168 to
229 em, respectively.
The mean age of these adult cows was 84 months for fall-captured
moose and 83 months for spring-cap:tured moose. Fifty-one percent of those
handled were between 5 and 11 years of age while 16 percent were 12 to
15 years of age. Calves and, in most cases, yearlings were intentionally
avoided.
During spring tagging 59 moose were rectally palpated to determine
pregnancy. Of that total, 52 (88%) were pregnant. Of the seven which
were not pregnant, two were 13 years old, two were 4 years old, one was
3 years old, one was 8 years old, and the age of one was not determined.
Tables 3 and 4 contain means and standard deviations by tagging
sites for both seasons of blood parameters tested during this reporting
segment. All fall Hb values exceeded 20 gm/100 ml and were so high that
precise figures could not be obtained with the instrument utilized.
Fall PCV mean values likewise were high, ranging from 51.4 to 56.0
percent and averaging 53.3 percent. Other selected mean fall blood
values had the following ranges and total means (expressed as mg/100 ml
unless otherwise indicated): Calcium; 10.40 to 12.27 with mean of
11.33; phosphorus, 4.54 to 6.18 averaging 5.07; glucose, 153.00 to
195.75 averaging 180.3; and total protein, 7.63 to 8.24 g/100 ml with a
mean of 7.98 g/100 ml.
Spring blood values as expected (Franzmann, pers. comm.) were lower
than fall values for nearly all parameters tested. Hemoglobin ranged
from 17.0 to 19.7 g/100 ml (average 18.8 g/100 ml) and PCV ranged from
46.4 to 51.3 percent (average 50.2%). For both Hb and PCV the lowest
values were from moose sampled in the Devil Mountain area on the middle
Susitna River. Other selected mean values by tagging site had the
4
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Table 1· Location, physical measurements, ages, and statistics associated with capturing and marking of 44 adult cow moose in the Susitna
River·Study area from 21 through 28 October 1976.
Measurements {CM2
Collar L. ear R. ear Age Total 'Hind Shoulder Heart Cond. Heart Body Drug Drug Drug
Moose Date Location color-# tag color tag color (months) length foot height sirth index Rate Temp. dosage reaction placement
I and I and 0 (BAM) (°F) (mg) tilDe
8017 10/27/76 S. McClaren Bend Radio-Gl6258 Gl6259 77 ----7 --30 7 min left leg
Yellow
8018 10/27/76 Butte Creed Radio-Bl6240 Bl6237 17 270 19 -184 6 -100.4 29 7 miD lower leg
Green
8019 10/21/76 Gracious House Radio-Gl6228 Gl6229 77 325 89 --8 ~ ---left rump
Black
8020 ·10/22/76 Gracious House Radio-Bl6222 G16221 113 319 --198 8 96 103.4. 27 6 min right rump
Yellow
8021 10/22/76 Brushkana Crk. Radio-Red 16252 16253 --------28 12 min left hip
····----
8022 10/28/76 Upper Watana Radio-Red Wl6285 Wl6284 101 299 81 -214 7 :--29 6 min
8029 10/26/76 S. McClaren Radio-Red Gl6255 Gl§256 - -
79 --8 --30 16 min
S.E. knob
8030 10/22/76 Across from Radio-Bl6202 B'-6201 77 306 80 -46 6 116 100.8 25 9 min leg
Ballard Lk. Black
at 3400 1
8031 10/22/76 South Bend Radio and Bl6223 Bl6224 ·41 280 79 -198 7 88. 101.2 27 3min
Susitna Blue 3
8032 10/23/76 Upper Clear:.. Radio-Red Gl6233 Gl6234 89 318 81 -266 8 -101.8 28 10 min top rump
water Crk.
8033 10/28/76 Valdez Crk. Radio-Bl6299 Bl6254 65 315 78 -214 8 88 103.2 30 -left flank
Green
8034 10/23/76 Brushkana Crk. Radio-Gl0673 Gl0673 41 296 79 -196 7 --29 13 min top back
Yellow • 8035 10/27/76 S, McClaren .Radio-Wl6066 Wl6067 -290 --203 7. -- -
S min lower left
Flats Blue hip
8036 10/28/76 West Fork Radio-Bl6266 Bl6265 77 302 77 -183 ---29 5min high left t
Glacier Blue hip
8037 10/28/76 Just below West Radio-W16243 W16244 71 308 -193 7 . 27 9 min left hip -- -Fork Glacier Blue
8038 10/27/76 Watana Creek Radio-Red Gl6239 Gl6263 101 303 --193
\J1
·)
8039 10/28/76 West Fork Radio-Bl6298 Bl6296 77 - -·-----30 -.top l~ft
Glacier Yellow rump
8040 10/28/76 Upper Wat~na Radio-· Wl6061 Wl6062 -305 --193 7 --29 9 min
Creek Green
8042 10/28/76 ·West Fork Radio-16241 Wl6242 53 305 --203 - -
-29 10 min left flank
Susitna Blue
8044 10/23/76 Upper Little -Radio-Gl6074 Gl6075 41 302 81 --8 -102.6 29 -high .tail
Clearwater Black
1 10/21/76 Gracious House Blue 1 Yl6232 Y16231 149 300 74 ·-183 --. 1Q2.2 --left rump
2 10/22/76 South Bend Blue 2 Gl6248 Gl6247 101 297 -68 -193 - -
- -
6 min
4 10/22/76 across from Blue 4 Gl6250 Gl6249 :53 312 --193 -----high on
Spraker Lake left hip
s 10/22/76 across from Blue S Bl6206 Bl5205 65 176 81. -118 7 88 102.2 27 10 min left hind
Spraker Lake
el 3400 1
6 10/22/76 across from ·Blue·6 Bl6277 Bl62776 65 317 --213 ---27 4 min left hip
Spraker Lake
el 3400 1
7 10/22/76 Sue R -S of Blue 7 Gl6226 Gl6227 53 ---.:. -- -
25 9 min left hind
Coal River quarters.
8 10/27/76 South McClaren Blue 8 W16216 W16217 161 291 72 -200 6' ---30 5 min left hip
SE Knob
9 10/27/76 Butte Creek Blue 9 Gl6262 Gl6275 65 '287 79 175 206 6 120 102.2 27 -left rump
10 10/27/76 Butte Creek Blue 10 Gl62'81 Gl6279 89 301 82 -188 ---27 12 min rump-left
leg
u 10/27/76 South·McCl!lren ·Blue 11 Gl6260 Gl6273 77 305 --204 6 --31 5 min top left
Flats rump
12 10/23/76 ·Brushkana Creek Blue 12 Gl6070 Gl6071 41 ----7 --27
14 10/23/76 Brushkana Creek Blue 14 16235 16236 41 311 ---8 -104 29 -inside rear
left leg
15 -West Fork Gl Blue 15 Bl6269 Bl6_267 113 301 --206 ---29 10 min high left
leg
16 10/23/76 Valdez Creek Blue 16 Gl6068 Gl6069 --------28 6 min tail
17 10/21/76 Gracious House Blue 17 Yl6246 16245 173 320 74 -224 6 78 101.1 27 5 min low left
hip
18 10/22/76 Grac:o.us House Blue 18 G16219 Gl6207 137 190 ---7 - --7 min top of
rump
19 10/27/76 Butte Creek Blue 19 W16055 ·Wl6054 89 310 83 -226 ---27 20 min top rump
25 10/27/76 Butte .Creek Blue 25 Wl6C)53 Wl6052 125 308 88 -210 7 -102.8 30 7 min lower les
38 10/28/76 West Fork Blue 38 Bl5282 Bl6283 173 - -
--6 --29 5 min
McClaren
42 10/28/76 West Fork Gl. Blue 42 W16063 Wl6064 17 267 77 -180 6 --29 10 min left flank
1-71 10/28/-76 Upper Watana Blue 71 Bl6270 Bl6271 41 ---. ----29 11 min left side
rump
H-1 10/27/76 Butte -- -
65 - -- - -- -
27 12 min flank
H-2 10/27/76 Butte ---137 298 84 186 212 ---27 5 min left.low
"' 29-3day leg
H..;.3 10/27/76 Watana -- -
101 274 81 -118 7 --30 10 min geni,t.~ls
Totals -Mean (i) 83.46 294.4 79.39 180.50 .190.45 6.7 96.29 102.15 28.3 8.4
Standard Deviation (S.A.) 40.16 31.47 4.66 7.78 31.21 1.35 15.77 1.07 1.45 3.64
Sample size (m) 39 34 23 2 31 27 7 13 37 34
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Table 2, Location, physical measurements, ages, pregnancy status, and statistics associated with capturing and marking 69 adult cow moose in the
Susitna ~iver Study area from 18 through 23 March 1977.
Measurements ~em}
Collar L. ear R. ear Age Pregnancy Total Hind Heart Cond. Drug Drug Drug
Moose ·Date Location color tag color tag color (months) status length foot girth index dosage reaction placement
I and (J and I and II (mg) time (min)
8570 3/20/77 Lower Brushkana Radio-W-15904 W-15903 82 yes 302 -193 6' 28 -tail (genitals)
Orange 12
8571 3/20/77 opposite & above Radio-W-15910 W-15909 46 yes 292 -183 6 ·25 plus & 9 min tail
Spraker Lake Blue ·62 1/2 dose
8572 3/22/77 Lower McClaren Radio-16124 16125 142 yes ---7 27 10 min left hip
Orange 2
8573 3/19/77 Lower Susitna Radio---yes 295 -203 7 27 26 min tail
near Watana Orange 5
8574 3/20/77 between east & Radio-o-15920 0-15921 34 yes 284 -193 6 28 6 min lower flank
middle fork of Orange 15 "'··
Sue River ...
8575 3/21/77 Lower McClaren Radio-G-16095 G-16096 154 yes 310 -229 7 27 5 min left leg
Orange 3
8576 3/19/77 between Sue and Radio-G-16030 G-16029 94 -293 -218 7 28 9 min top rump
Watana Creek Orange 6
8577 3/20/77 opposite & above Radio-0-16045 0.-16045 154 yes 282 -198 6 27 4 min flank
Spraker Lake Orange 8
8578 3/20/77 Sue Bend Radio-W-15912 W-15905 46 no 262 -168 5 27
Orange 10
8579 3/20/77 Sue Bend Radio-0-16099 0-16100 22 yes 257 -168 6 25 -inside leg
Orange 14
8580 3/18/77 Devil Mountain Radio-- -- ----23 -top hip
No collar •
8581 3/18/77 mouth Valdez Crk. Radio-- -
yes 298 -193 7 -12 min left leg
Blue 13
8582 3/22/77 Lower McClaren Radio-G-16122 G-16123 82 yes - --7. 27 -high left leg
Orange 4 •
8583 3/18/77 E. Devil Mountain Radio-R-16293 R-16294 46 no 258 -188 6 27 7 min rib cage
Orange 7
8584 3/18/77 B. DevU Mountain Radio-W-16003 W-16004 130 yes 290 -198 6 25 -top rump
Orange 9
8585 3/22/77 lower McClaren Radio-G-16079 0-16080 yes 305 -206 7 27 plus & 18 min left hip
Orange 1 1/3 dose 5 min
-....!
8586 3/18/77 Devil Mountain Radio-W-16001 W-16002 118 yes 309 80 198 4 23 10 min top loin
Orange 11
8587 3/20/77 lower-Brushkana Radio-0-15917 0-15916 34 yes Z90 -183 5 27 9m~ top rump
Orange 13
8588 3/19/77 upper Jay Creek Radio---94 -274 -208 7 29 12 min tail,.
Orange 16
8589 3/18/77 E. Devil Mountain Radio-R-16028 R-16027 154 no -;. --27 -top rump
White 82
20 3/18/77 mouth Valdez Crk Blue 20 R-16005 R-16006 yes ---6 27 -top rump
21 3/20/77 between east and Blue 21 0-15918 0-15919 46 yes 310 -193 6 28 -rump
middle fork of
Sue
22 3/23/77 Valdez Creek Blue 22 16187 16186 82 yes 274 --7 27 -left leg.
23 3/20/77 between east and Blue 23 G-16035 G-16034 22 yes 259 -183 -28 10 min lower flank
middle fork of
Sue
27 3/20/77 ~pper Brushkana Blue 27 R-16042 R-16041 34 no --- -
27 7 min rump
28 3/20/77 between east and Blue 28 G-16037 G-16036 46 yes --- -
28 9 min
middle fork of
Sue
30 3/23/77 upper Sue Blue 30 0-16126 0-16127 94 yea 320 -208 7 -4 miJt
31 3/23/77 upper Sue Blue ~1 --yea ---7 27 -lower right le'
32 3/2.3/77 upper Sue Bl1,1e 3.2 0-R-16128 0-R-16129 Yel!. ---7 27 -;L#t leg
33 3/23/77 upper Sue Blue 33 R-16199 ;1.6200 22 yes 244 --5 25 8 lllin ·reft hip
34 3/23/77 upper Sue Blue 34 ------7 27 -left high
35 3/23/77 upper Sue Blue 35 0-16132 0-16133 34 yes ---6 27 -left hip
36 3/23/77 upper Sue Blue 36 R-16180 R-16181 70 yes 279 -----
37 3/23/77 middle fork Blue 37 Y-16176 Y-16177 34 yes ----27 6 min left lower leg
39 3/20/77 lower Brushkana Blue 39 R-16038 R-16039 34 yes 264 -188 -28 9 mill top rump
40 3/23/77 Valdez Creek Blue 40 0-15875 W-15874 94 no 284 -208 -27 -left rump
44 3/23/77 Valdez Creek Blue 44 B-16192 B-16193 yes ---' -25 -rump
45 3/23/77 Valdez Creek Blue 45 W-16147 W-16148 94 0. 302 2.08 6 27 left rump yes --
46 3/23/77 Valdez Creek Blue 46 0-16191 0-16190 34 yes ---5 27 7 min right rump
47 3/23/77 Valdez Creek Blue 47 W-16149 W-16150 94 yes 297 -193 7 27
48 3/23/77 Valdez Creek Blue 48 W-15851 W-15852 154 yes 318 -206 7. 27 -left leg
49 3/23/7.7 Valdez Creek Blue 49 0-15872 W-15873 154 yes ---6 27 ..
so 3/22/77 lower McClaren Blue SO G-16120 G-16125 94 yes ---6 27 -left rump side
51 3/22/77 lower McClaren Blue 51 G-16118 G-16119 34 yes ---6 25 -left rump
52 3/22/77 lower McClaren Blue 52 G-16093 G-16094 82 yes 290 -188 7 27 14 min high on butt
near ~pine
00
~.
"'
..
53 3/22/77 lower McClaren Blue 53 16102 16103 yes ---6 27 -~ left
54 3/22/77 lower McClaren Blue 54 W-16116 W-16117 4'6 yes -- -
-25 8 min rear
55 3/23/77 upper Sue Blue 55 --- ----27 13 min left leg .
56 3/22/77 lower McClaren Blue 56 G-16081 G-16082 82 yes 292 -193 7 27 5 min left leg·rear
57 3/23/77 upper Sue Blue 57 B-15188 B-16189 yes --. -8.0 27 17 min left rump
58 3/22/77 lower McClaren· Blue 58 G-16091 G-16092 142 yes 287 . ·--6 27 -left leg
60 3/20/17 across from Blue 60 - -
154 - --- -
28 21 min left tail
Spraker Lake
61 3/20/77 opposite & above Blue 61 W-15907 W-15908 yes 295 -193 7 25 -center of rump
Spraker Lake
63 3/20/77 Sue Bend Blue 63 W-15913 W-15914 58 yes 290 -193 7 27 7 min· flank
64 3/20/77 Sue Bend Blue 64 0-16097 0-16098 130 yes 305 -183 7 27 13 min middle back
66 3/23/77 Sue River below Blue 66 R-16088 R-16089 94 yes 302 -198 6 27 6 min
67 3/23/77 SE Sue Lodge Blue 67 G-15853 G-15854 ---- -
6 27 15 min ribs
(5 mi on road)
68 . 3/23/77 Hatchet Lake Blue 68 R-16085 R-16086 154 no ----25 -rectum
70 3/23/77 Hatchet Lake Blue 70 --no ----27 10 min left hip
75 3/19/77 between Jay and White 75 G-16033 G-16032 yes -- - -
28 -hind end tail
Watana 1/2/of 25
79 3/19/77 between Jay and White 79 R-15922 R-15923 -----28 20 min right hind qrta.
Watana Creek
80 3/18/77 E. Devil Mountain White 80 R-16286 R-16287 46 yes 274 -188 -25 -top of rump
81 3/18/77 E. Devil Mountain White 81 --yes ---7 27 -left rump
84 3/23/77 Hatchet Lake White 84 - - ---- --27 -top leg left
1/3/of 27
M-1 3/20/77 between East & -- -
70 yes 283 -183 -27 -top of back
Middle Fork Sue
M-2 3/20/77 lower Brushkana ---154 yes 310 -203 5 28 10 min high left rump
M-3 3/20/77 opposite Spraker Lk. ---yes 284 84 208 8 27 19.min left rump
.. ~ 1/3 25 6 min
M-4 3/23/77 upper Sue ---84 yes ----27 4 min left hip
M-5 3/23/77 ----22
Total -Mean (i) 82.00 288.53 82.00 195.41 6.38 26.77 10.69
Standard Deviation (SD) 45.30 18.00 2.83 12.72 .82 1.14 5.34
Sample size (m) 49 38 2 34 47 65 36
1-'
0
Table 3. Blocid values from adult cow moose bx tagging site in the U211er Susitna River Basin 1 October J,977,
.... .... s:: .... N .... !II .... 'd 'd :::~'it e .... s::'d ..... .... .... ........ Ql El ~ El .... N .g El tJQI Ql Ef !II.EI El • El .... s:: El "Ci§ §o Oo Glo ,o ~g ... 0 ..o.o oo ,o r<.o s:: .... c .,..o .c:o too ~'iii~ g:. ~ e~ f~ 'o ...i· Qj,o El CIOC "' .... CJ .... ~:~.,.... 3~ CJ .... ~~· o,... o·,... .MO ........... VI..;.,. . ....... ......... ........... ·~ ......... ........ :~·· ~ ~~ j. m"Co ~:> _g Ff ,=lOO ~ it .... ........ 0 CIO :;:: Ff ,:a ::1 ~a lG Ff u Ef ~ Ff 0 Iii ~EI ..i El 0 "' ....... :;~· ~ Pot tJ Pot IQ IQ E-I.P-1 CIO
Susitna River Bend
D 8 4 3 3 3 3 -3 3 3 3 3 3 3'
i 20+ 52.75 12.27 s.oo 166.67 3.0 -84.67 .17 so.o 313.67 91.0 8.00 5.],9
S.D. N/A 2.06 1.14 1.00 38.21 1.0 -. 9.81 .06 2.65 20.31 18.68 .so .32
Suaitna Glacier
D 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
.i 20+ 54.00 11.4 4.73 171-. 71:' 2.75 .07 107.00 .20 55.25 325.25 98.25 7.63 4.72
S.D·, N/A 2.83 .95 .56 25.33 .96 .06 17.57 o.o 9.43 39.92 26.46 .32 .15
Maclaren River ...
D 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
i 20+ 53.20 10.94 6.18 189.2 4.4 0.2 85.8 .22 53.2 249.8 128.8 8.1 4.81
S.D. N/A 9.58 .83 .68 20.62 1.14 o.o 7.33 .04, 13.66 53.55 78.19 .33 .49
Valdd Creek
n· 2 1 1 1 1 1 -1 1 1 1 1 1
X 20+ 56·. ()(J i0',40 4;2 185' 3.00 -82 .1 70.0 259 84 7.7
S.D. N/A 0 0 0 0 0 -0 0 0 0 0 0
Bruslikana Creek
n 4 4 4 4 4 4 -4 4 4 4 4 4 4
i 20+ 55;50 11.25 5.35 '184. 75 3.5 -89;25 .43 56.5 316.25 112.0 8.2 5.06
S.D. N/A 4.04 .97 .76 34.45 1.0 -11.3 .1 17.62 43.45 35.62 ,88 .42
Watana Creek
!! 7 5 5 5 5 5 2 5 s 5 5 5 5 ·5
X 20+ 53.40 11.26 5.44 228.6 3.6 .15 46.05 .22 53.6 258 103.8 8.24 5.27
S.D. N/A 4.93 .92 .77 64.38 .55 .07 85.63 .11 9.07 32,88 49.71 .38 .47
Middle Susitna
River
D 10 10 11 11 11 10 4 11 10 11 11 11 11 11 z 20+ 51.40 12.02 4.54 153.0 2.91 .25 96.45 .29 58.82 290.55.110.2 7.91 4.86
S.D. If/A 2.91 1.39 .88 29.03 .94 .06 19.85 .22 14.32 52.44 73.03 • 78 .74
w .
N N 0 a· .....
;1 .... N N ... N lG ::1 Ill Ill I 1101·. ..0 .c: ,IC lG
0 c:o.. 1:1. ... u .... .... .... Ql 111 ....... u < < IQ u ..;
3 3 3 3 3 3
2.81 .41 .48 .88 1.04 1.85
.21 .03 .02 .03 .····;11 .09
4 4 4 4 4 4
3.15 .30 .56 .91 1.14 1.64
.72 .08 .14 .11 .24 .11
5 5 5 5 s s
3.29 .34 ,60 ·87 1.36 1.49
.42 .13 .29 .12 .35 .30
4 4 4 4 4 4
3.4 .26 .55 .93 1.41 1.63
1.01 .03 .20 .28 .28 .18
5 5 5 5 5 s
5.63 .28 .59 .93 1.18 1.78
3.4 .07 .2 .16 .18 .23
11 11 11· 11 11 11
3.05 .31 .46 1.02 1.26 1.63
.43 .11 .15 ·,38 .47 .39
..
1-'
1-'
Table 3. Blood values from adult cow moose hi tagging site in the Ueeer Susitna River Basin 1 October 1977 •
..... .....
~ ..... .... H ..... eEl El ..... ..... eEl ..... ..... ..... .....
Gl e e ~ e ~ s . s s e ..... H .gs tJ Gl EIO Gl ell .. c:: El c:: ~ § 00 QJO 0 IJO ... 0 .co 00 0 f-10 .... 0 .;::;:: .c:o CliO •0 <:;:: CliO e::: if::l •O •0 oriO orl
1>00 Glr'-4 llo .... 0 .... :z; .... QJ .... = ..... 0 .... ..... Gl 0 s 0.-l ~ 0 u-..... ell ...... u-..... . ....... u-..... ............ ........... ....... ........ . ....... "' ... ..-! ::1 s-!JI> .... 1>0 0 1>0 :;11>0 =!il ..-11>0 0 110 ..-!1>0 •1>0 ~ il C! i ... o ....... .c QJIIO " " s ;es 8 s ~ e 0 e ~s ~ s 0 ... 110 ..... = p.. tJ I:Q ~ Cll f-OP,. <
Clearwater Creek
D 6 5 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
i 20+ 54.60 10.63 5.0 195.75 3.5 .2 80.25 .23 52.5 271 86.5 7.9 5.03
S.D. N/A 1.67 .33 1.32 56.17 1.0 o.o 10.72 .os 7.0 33.68 39.23 .22 .44
Totals
D 46 38 37 37 37 37 11 37 37 37 37 37 36 36
i 20+ 53.29 11.33 5.07 180.3 3.32 .15 90.41 .23 55.62 286.08 134.64 7.98 4.96
S.D. H/A 4.39 1.01 .96 43.64 1.0 .11 15.46 .13 11.78 47.85 27.9 .57. .53
..
. .
H
H H 0 1'1 .... .... ..... N H ... ..... H " ] " " I ~ .c: .c: "' 0 llo llo ... Cl ..... ..... :;! Gl .......
Cl < I:Q Cl <
4 4 4 4 4 4
2.87 .32 .47 .91 1.21 1.79 .38 .08 .09 .22 .11 .43
36 36 36 36 36 36
3.08 .31 .52. .94 1.24 1.67
.so .09 .17' .25 .32 .30
1-'
""
.
Table 4. _B1~Qll__y~ues from adult cow JDoose by_tJ~&dn& site_in thL~ Su_11j._tna_ River Dasin, March 1978,
Susitna River Bend
n
X
s.D.
Susitna Glacier
D
X
S.D.
Maclaren River
D
i'
S.D.
Valdez Creek
n
i
S;D,
Bruahkana Creek'.
D:
1-·
S.D.
Watana Creek
n
X
S.D.
Middle Su~itna
ltiver
D
I
S.D.
Devil Hth.
Totals
D
X
S.D.
D
i:
S.D.
r:r ~~
!lo ooo
o""' e~;o =
::lH
Ql
~ 9 Ql.-1
..Ill 0 U> :
""' El
so .;:~
u' .-tOO Ill El-u
-s---s--· s
18.52 49.60 11.04
1~29 2.07 .58
5 13 10
19.70' 51.23 11.45
.33 2.80 .59
1 10 10
19.50· 50'.'90 10~8-:
H/A 3.45 .31
0
0
H/A
8 8
51.25 12.09
2.60 1.02
s s~ 5
19~22 49~20. 10.•6'·
• 74 1. 79 .a&:
4 4 2
19.25 49.50 11.45
1.37 4.12 .07
0
0
H/A
1
~51
H/A
2 u.s
.42
5 s 4
17.00 46.40 10.95
1.41 6.43 .6
25 51 49
18.75 50.20 11.23
1;38 3.48 .eo
e~
oo ,eO ~ ooo fEI
~
QIO 11)0
o""' U...._
.:I If
Cl
8 8
. 4.44 153.50
.58 30'.38
10 10
4.78 155.3
.90 19.18
10
4.9
.76
10
150.1
27.46
8 8
3.55. 140.5
.78 28.73
s· s
4~36 165.2
1.96 25:.81
2 2
4.85 135~00
.49 48.08
2 2
4.25 162
.07 28.28
4
4.7
1.41
4
160.75
29.92
49 49
4.48 152.43
1.03 26.6
""' El
0 .o
:z:.-1 ........
~a
IQ
8
2.25
1.58
10
1.7
,48
10
1.4·
.52
8
1.5
.53
5
1.6
.89
2
4.5
.71
2
3.5
2.12
4
7.5-
2.52
49
2.35
2.0
""' :;~s
~~
u' .,.. Eloo ~
8
.21
.10
10
.21
.13
10
2.4
.52
8
.25
.OS
5
.14
.13
2
.3.
.14
2
.2
0
4
.3
.08
""' o.-t ~~
lll•O Qlo-1
""'' 61f
8
83.5
4:.93
10
90,6
11.89
10
77.4
12.4
8
89.0
10',45
5 9l,o:
16'~54
2
76.0
7.07
2
82.0
l,U
4
95.5
17.45
49 49
.32 85.98
.47 12.45
""' J:iEI .~ .-~· . ""' s ··.··a ""' H· ~ l~,~~ ;:~Ui l
H
.0 0' e~ ........... ;!If
IQ
~0 f~ .......
~ If < .>' ·::.::
s s s ··.a-. ·a.
.10 . 70.4'· 260.1 . 72. 6-.9.9
.06 . 19.93 45~54': 21i08 .~0
10
.19
.o7
10
.25
.18•'
8
.24·
.09
.... '
10 10 10. '11
59.5 211.4 71.9 ~-i~25
16•, 06 32; 35 19 ~ 18 :}\68
10
66
18.18
8
71.0
14.01
10· 10:.-10
234 '77 .78 6.95:
22.95 25.44 .48'
8 8 9
224.25 82.13 7~29
24.69· 40.41 .67
.... -.... '~-
5
.12
.04'
2-
.2
0
2.
.2
0
5
72
2'3.55
2
62.0
21.21
2
53.0
2o83
S 5 S:
277.6: 100.8 7;28·:
73.66: 71~55 • 7
2 2 4
251.5 97.5 7.25
78.49 30.41 .82
2
229.5
48.79
2 2.'
6l,S 7.3 .
7.78 .42
8 s.o
.54
;i
""' ~
Cl
8
1.99
.38
11·· 11
5.24 2.01
.85 .52
10 10'
4>o67· 2.28
.55 .58
9 '9
4.93 2.35
.51 .36
s . 5
5.02 2:;26·
.56 .18
4 4
5.29 1.97
.65 .34
2
4.9
.24
2
2.4
.18
H
""'' Ill . .g.
""' <
8
.29
.OS
11
.28
.07
10
.29
.14
,· 9.
.31
.10
.s
.32
.06'
4
.23
.07
2
.27
0
-··-----·-·-·. "--------··
H
N
Ill .c llo.
:i!
8
.35
.07
11
.39
.20
10
.35
.13
9
.41
.12
s
.37
.10
4
.32
.09
2
.52
.16
4
.45
.31
4
76
26.5
4 2 s 55 s \5
309.5 152.5 6.94 4.38 2.55· .28 .25
26.29' 96.87 .68 .5 .61 .15 .15
49 49 49 47 54
.21 70.94 243.2 82.15 7.14
.15 18.26 46.86 39.13 .63
54
4.94
.64
54
2.2
.47
54
.29
.09
54
.37
.14
H
Ill u
Ql
IQ
8
.64
.21
11
.86
.34
10
.as
.33
9
.92
.25
s.
.92
.26
4
.67
.26
2
.99
.04
s
1.3
.63
54
.87
.35
<l
H
j
8
.70
.20.
11
.49
.25
10
.78
.28
9
.71
.26
5
.64
.19
4
.75
.20
2
.63
.02
5
.73 .sa
54
.67
.29
0 ..... u
111
&:..:
t.:l ....... <
8
2.71
• 72.
10
3.09
.68
10
2.24
.88
9
2.44
.62
5
2o23
.2
4
2.74
.52
2
2.05
.OS
4
1.68
.53
52
2.5
.74
"
following ranges and total means expressed as mg/100 ml unless indicated:
Calcium, 10.6 to 12.1 averaging 11.2; phosphorus, 3.55 to 4.85 averaging
4.48; glucose, 135.00 to 165.2 averaging 152.43; and total protein 6.94
to 7.3 g/100 ml with a mean of 7.14 g/100 ml.
Between late October 1976 and 22 November 1977 a total of 584
location points were obtained on 39 radio-collared moose. Figures 1-9
represent the general areas encompassed by each moose and are not
precise locations. The movements of 18 radio-collared moose were described
in a report concerning the potential impacts of the Susitna Hydroelectric
Project on Moose which was prepared under contract for the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Servic~ (Appendix I). General movements for the remaining 21
were as follows:
Moose 8017 (Figure 1) was collared on 27 October 1976 approximately 8 km
northwest of the Maclaren River bend. By 22 November she migrated
approximately 40 km south to the head of West Fork of Gulkana
River. She overwintered in that area and between 13 and 27 May
migrated 89 km back to a site approximately 8 km SW of tagging
site. She gave birth to one calf by 1 June on the Maclaren River.
Between 7 and 23 July she migrated with her calf approximately
40 km north to an area approximately 11 km up from the mouth of the
West Fork of the Maclaren River where they both remained through
fall 1977.
Moose 8019 (Figure 2) was with a calf when collared on 21 October 1976
6 km NW of Susitna Lodge where they remained at least until 19 November.
By 16 December she and the calf had moved 37 km down the Susitna
River almost to the mouth of Coal Creek, but they were found 32 km
back to the north to the mouth of Wickersham Creek by 19 January.
They remained in that area until 10 May, after which she was not
observed with the calf, but then gave birth to a new calf between 3
and 6 June some 6 km SE of her winter location. Between 6 and
7 June she was not observed with a calf and she remained in the
vicinity of the tagging site until 22 August. By 5 October she had
moved 8 km NW just above the mouth of Valdez Creek but then by
30 October moved back to the tagging site where she remained through
fall 1977.
Moose 8020 (Figure 6) was collared on 22 October 1976, west of Susitna
Lodge where she remained through 2 November. She moved 13 km
by 22 November, 0.4 km north of the Denali Highway. She remained
within an approximately 40 km2 area through fall 1977: moving
upland in both spring and fall and to the lowlands during summer.
She was observed with twins on 7 June, then with triplets between
16 to 18 June. By 18 September she had only one calf remaining.
Moose 8021 (Figure 8) was collared approximately 6 km south of the
Denali Highway along Brushkana Creek on 22 October. By 2 November
she had moved 13 km to the north, crossing the Nenana River, but by
22 November she moved south 16 km to 6 km NW of Butte Lake. ·"She
continued to exhibit considerable movement until 5 June when she
gave birth to one calf. They both spent the summer north of the
Denali Highway on Monahan flats.
13
f : .. ~ ·. ~ ...
I fi IIIII j6£os
e~-;':o~O!l
N
r~: .. ".,)L£08 P1~"!:1 .,,:r
1~.-:'t>-1~~08
[f%\$f.mLTo 8 39NVtl V>i S'v'lV
·u6T .J:aqutaAON
q~no.J:q;J 9L6T .J:aqO;JOQ UIO.l:J U"j:SBH .:li3A"J="'H -eu:nsns .J:addn aql U"j:
6~08 pu-e ~~08 '~~08 'LT08 asoout ..<q pass-edutooua -ea.J:l:? TB.J:aua~ ·1 a.J:n~l=.i£
..
Figure 2. General area encompassed by moose 8018 and 8019 within the
upper Susitna River Sasin from October 1976 through November
1977 .
15
Figure 3. General area encompassed by moose 8575 and 8030 in the upper
Susitna River area from October 1976 through November 1977.
c.Larence
-~\..ake
:l:;:; ~ ... '\~':;]: 1
N
N<c.hol,on 6 Ldkc
J'"ohn
#'-a~'!. ... ..... · .. . ~.-··:..
·· Sl~cle ~
/ '1'\ou~toatl'\ !.
8575 (::::::::J
8030 [1,)0 Q
16
I
I
J
i.,
I
I
i
I•
I
j
I
I
I
~
l
I
I
;Figure 4. General area encompassed by moose 8022, 8038, 8040, 8576, 8588,
and 8573 within the upper Susitna River Basin from October 1976
through November 1977.
r
8022 = 1:::::::!1
8038 = K~
~ 8040
8576
8588
8573 =
V72?ZJ
= I I II I
I = I
~ li ..... 1
'
. .•. ~,.
fl
17
81
... ..
8LS8
tf@Z?.~\1 = TL sa.
l:\:~;~.:.:).:\Z) = n:oa
• •
• LL61 .J:~qmaAON q~no.J:q~ 9L61 .J:aqo~~o mO.J:J u1s:eg .J:aA1~ :eu~1sns .J:addn aq~ u1q~1~
6L~8 pu:e '8L~8 '1L~8 'n:os asoom .Aq pass:edma~u;;~ :e;;~.J::e TB.J:aua~ ·~ a.J:n~1.3:
Figure 6. General area encompassed by moose 8020, 8033, 8036, 8042,
8574 and 8581 within the upper Susitna River Basin from
October 1976 through November 1977 •
...
I ~ ~-/
c.,\,"";"
"-~ ...... ' ---,:-.... ""' -__ r:. ,...... ... .. /(·--)-~
I I L I ,,
rA._ "V, , ..~ v-, I • ..:..') , \., ,,. ~
*'-/ r.f'lfl. ~/ .,("-... ,._.
' r ,;::~-,.. "'; ...... '\
,.(<> r"..l ... -
'""; _,~
,
8020
8033
8036
8042
'8574
{<x.;,t
[11111111
E-:->;.=:::::.:;: l
0 ,_,..,('' ' ,_,.., .,..,.,, -'
1, I \ I \
0
""'-I l./ . ./ "_,--...
L : ' .. -
, .... ,...-~~
,.,.,.. ~""" .. ~ <?;/ ~\) c.,',~'
8581 I , 1.
"-::: r-\..-\>-,., \J' , ,
1Q
Figure 7. General area encompassed by moose 8029, 8032, 8044, 8572, 8577,
8582, and 8585 within the upper Susitna River Basin from October
1976 through November 1977.
,.
' • •
..
~
8029
8032
-c······J -......... .
= .fj IS?:]
•
.. ..
= lf41·\·
= IIIIIIII_D
= ('', > i/~1
= [i::y·:.-:}-::-:1
•
• ......
, ...
·~&?&&1
, • • , .. I
20
;
Figure 8. General area encompassed
within the upper Susitna
through November 1977.
&021 ;, II II HI
8034 "I I
8 5 70" t:::::::l
8 58 7 N·¥-i\\1&;1
,.-
··' ........ Deadman:
Mounl·ajn··
by moose 8021, 8034, 8570, and 8587
River Basin from October 1976
\ ~ .. ':' -: .... ...-.. I , -. ~ .s,
/ , • • ~ ) /,~' , ( • ·• ..,f<o . ::·-' . , / .. -. c-........-.-.... "., r . I ,.., _, ~-•. . . •
• '·. -• ' ; '• • • • • / ...._I / 'w ' h...U I • •I ( ·.-'• -·~·.--,.-,,,w~ .. -~~;' '•,•', . ,., {•, :·.._ ~. . : \ ·' , , G. : . . ~ : :. . . ... --', . . .... . . . ,., t~.· ... () ... ,j ,--~t>-/
•' > I I I 'C"-\ pol , •
.'.. -~t:-} '! .. ... -.
• "-... ,
'•
Figure 9. General area encompassed by moose 8580, 8584, 8583, and 8586
within the upper Susitna River Basin from October 1976 through
NoVember 1977.
.#85 80
:If: 8584
.#"8583
-;#=8 58 6
..
. "
-~ .
-:.',.·""
•;~, .....
E§3 .
rmrrm
l7ZZZZI
-~
. .. .
22
I
i i,
l ~
' ~
~
Moose 8029 (Figure 7) was collared on 27 October 1976, 3 km east of
Round Mountain. She was found along the Maclaren River 8 km south
of her tagging location on 19 November. By 19 January she had
moved 10 km downstream to the Maclaren cabin. She remained mostly
within a 15 km2 area through winter and spring. By 25 May she
moved north of the river 3 km to higher elevation where she gave
birth to twins which were missing by 1 June. She spent most of the
summer along the river until 22 November when she returned to the
tagging site.
Moose 8032 (Figure 7) was collared on 23 October 1977 at the mouth of
Pass Creek. By 2 November she had moved 19 km down Clearwater
Creek. She continued her southerly movement until 19 January; a
straight line migration crossing the Maclaren and going down Monsoon
Lake Creek 48 km. She overwintered along the creek and began a
northward movement on 31 March reaching Clearwater Lake by 30 May
where she gave birth to one calf. They moved north of the parturition
site about 5 km by 11 July but did not return to the tagging site.
Instead, they migrated south to a canyon area 5 km west of the
wintering area where they remained through fall 1977.
Moose 8033 (Figure 6) was collared on 28 October 1976, 5 km NW of the
mouth of Valdez Creek. She remained within an approximately 81 km2
area just north of Valdez Creek through at least 5 October 1977
with movements consisting of changes in elevation ranging of up to
300 m but not coinciding with any particular season. She moved to
Valdez Creek by late May and was observed with twins on 29 May. By
6 August both calves were missing. Radio failure was recorded on
6 August and our last observation was on 5 October.
Moose 8034 (Figure 8) was collared on 28 October 1976 approximately 2 km
south of Seattle Creek. By 22 November she had moved approximately
16 km SE to Brushkana Creek where she remained until at least
7 February. She moved to lower elevations as winter progressed and
then calved just north of the Denali Highway 5 km east of Brushkana
Creek. She and this calf remained within a 6 km2 area through June
and by mid-July moved to Butte Lake where they remained through
summer.
Moose 8036 (Figure 6) was collared on 28 October 1976 just below West
Fork Glacier and by 2 November had moved south 18 km to a lower
elevation. She remained within a 19 km2 area through winter and
spring and by 29 May had given birth to one calf. By 5 June she
had moved to the Susitna River and had lost her calf. She spent
the remainder of the summer and first half of fall 13 km to the
north at elevations above 900 m. By 31 October she had moved back
to the lowlands.
Moose 8037 (Figure 1) when collared on 28 October 1976 was accompanied
by a calf above the Denali Highway between Little Clearwater Creek
and the Maclaren River. By 22 November she and the calf migrated
south down Monsoon Lake Creek to 16 km south of the headwaters of
the West Fork of the Gulkana River; a straight line movement of
23
81 km. They overwintered in that area within an old spruce burn.
She was last observed with her calf on 13 May. She gave birth to a
new calf in the same area by 3 June. By 12 July they had migrated
north 97 km to Boulder Creek above the Denali Highway and east of
the Maclaren River. They remai~ed in the area through the summer.
By 5 October they had moved south to just east of Round Mountain
and by 22 November had returned to the wintering area.
Moose 8039 (Figure 1) was collared on 28 October 1976 west of the Maclaren
River approximately 6 km north of the Denali Highway. By 19 November
she had moved south 21 km to NW of the big bend on the Maclaren
River. She remained on the river through winter moving up and
down the stream approximately 18 km. She gave birth to twins by
1 June. As sunnner progressed she moved to slightly higher elevation
on Round Mountain and remained in the area through fall and was
never observed back at the tagging site.
Moose 8042 (Figure 6) was collared on 28 October 1976 just below West
Fork Glacier and by 19 November had moved 21 km south to the Denali
Highway. She remained within an area of approximately 32 km2 through
at least 5 August. She had given birth to one calf by 31 May which
was missing by 5 August. By 18 September she had moved 16 km north
back to the tagging site.
Moose 8044 (Figure 7) was collared on 23 October 1976 13 km north of 'the
Denali Highway on Little Clearw~ter Creek. By 23 March she had
moved 13km SW to just below the Denali Highway. The radio signal
from this moose shifted and therefore we lost contact with her
until 10 May when she was relocated 15 km west of her last known
location. By 25 May she had moved 26 km to the east on Clearwater
Creek. She then moved 8 km to the SW and then in the opposite
direction up to the Denali Highway by 10 June where she gave birth
to one calf. By 17 June the calf was missing and she again began
moving in a southwest direction but returned to same area by 5 October.
Between 5 October and 2 November she had moved 15 km up Big Clearwater
Creek but then returned to the Denali Highway by 22 November.
Moose 8570 (Figure 8) was collared on 20 March 1977 at the junction of
Brushkana River and Monahan Flats Creek. By 10 May she had moved
approximately 16 km to the junction of Wells Creek and the Nenana
River. Between 10 and 25 May she moved 29 km to Monahan Flats
where she gave birth to one calf. After 25 May we never observed
her with a calf although she stayed in the calving area until
31 May. In early summer she moved north 15 km, spending the remainder
of the summer and fall at higher elevations on the northeastern
headwaters of the Nenana River.
Moose 8572 (Figure 7) was collared on 22 March 1977 approximately 1.6 km
north of the mouth of Maclaren River. She crossed the river by
30 March and then moved lOkm SW to higher elevations where during
the summer she occupied an area of approximately 1 km 2 • During
October and November she remain~d at higher elevations south of the
river. Although she was pregnant when collared she was never
observed with a calf.
24
~
Moose 8574 (Figur·e 6) was collared 20 March 1977 at the junction· of West
and Middle Forks of Susitna River. By 31 March she had moved 13 km
west and by 10 May had moved SW 8 km to the Denali Highway. She
gave birth to one calf just below the highway but the calf was
missing by 25 June. Between 25 June and 18 September she moved
westward to the spruce dominated hills 6 km north of Valdez Creek
where she remained through 30 October 1977.
Moose 8577 (Figure 7) was collared on 20 March-1977 approximately 1~ km
north of the mouth of Tyone River on west side of Susitna River.
She moved 16 km NE and spent spring and summer just northeast of
the mouth of Clearwater Creek. By 1 November she had moved up
Clearwater Creek to the Denali Highway where she remained through
the fall. Although recorded as pregnant, she was never observed
with a calf.
Moose 8581 (Figure 6) was collared on 18 March 1977 approximately 3 km
north of mouth of Valdez Creek. She remained in the vicinity of
the junction between the middle and west forks of the Susitna River
until 31 May at which time she began moving northward. By 25 June
she had wandered to within 6 km of Susitna Glacier. When tagged
she was determined to be pregnant; however, she was never observed
with a calf through spring and summer. She remained on the upper
half of the west fork through the summer, but by 18 September had
begun moving downstream towards Valdez Creek.
Moose 8582 (Figure 7) was collared 22 March 1977 at the mouth of Maclaren
River. By 22 April she was moving in an easterly direction and
consequently moved 16 km to higher elevation just northeast of
Laren Mountain. She spent summer and fall in that vicinity within
a 19 km 2 area. She was pregnant in March, but was never observed
with a calf.
Moose 8585 (Figure 7) Had an identical history as that described for
·Moose 8582.
Moose 8587 (Figure 8) was accompanied by a calf, when collared on 20 March
1977 on Monahan Flats Creek 3 km east of its junction with Brushkana
Creek. After collaring they moved south to higher elevations 3 km
south of the Denali Highway. Her calf remained with her until at
least 25 May and by 31 May she had given birth to a new calf. She
and her new calf remained above the highway within an approximately
32 km2 area through summer and fall 1977.
The 65 visually-collared moose were observed on 107 occasions
during this reporting period. Fourteen (22 percent) were nev~r observed
during the study. Only 20 percent (n = 13) of the collars were observed
more than twice. Dates and locations of visually-collared moose are
depicted in Appendix I. Movements data provided by the visual collars
generally reflected those from radio-collared animals. One exception
deserves mentioning, however: White collar #80 was tagged just above
the Susitna River west of Tsusena Creek on 18 March 1977. By 6 September
_i\LASKA RESOURCES LIBRAF-:~
U.S. DEPT. OF INTERIOR
25
)
she was observed just east of Lone Butte near Sanona Creek, a straight
line movement of 84 km. This was the second longest movement recorded
during the study; surpassed only by radio-collared moose #8575 which had
moved 103 km; it was the most extensive east-west migiation recorded.
Eight radio-collared moose were accompanied by calves when originally
collared, four in fall and three in spring. Two cows tagged in spring
were never observed with calves following their tagging. The remainder
stayed with their calves until at least 25 April, but most kept them
until late May when parturition began. In 1977 one cow was observed
with her yearling as late as 22 November.
Between 10 May and 5 October we made 48 flights to monitor parturition
and subsequent survival of calves. Calving was first observed on an
uncollared cow on 24 May. Radio-collared moose dropped their first calf
by 25 May and their last calf on 10 June (Figure 10). Parturition
appeared to be fairly evenly distributed throughout that time period.
Thirty-eight radio-collared moose produced at least 30 calves; however,
by 6 June calf losses began to exceed births. Timing of calf losses is
shown in Figure 11. By 24 June, 78 percent of the losses had occurred
and most calves which were alive at that time were alive by at least
5 November.
A comparison of the calving status of
versus the spring is contained in Table 5.
palpated in the spring, 14 were determined
obs'ervations only accounted for 7 calves.
the fall produced at least 23 calves.
DISCUSSION
cows collared in the fall
Of 17 radio-collared moose
pregnant but subsequent
The 20 cow moose collared in
Franzmann et al. (1976) developed criteria to rate the relative
condition of moose populations by using several blood parameters which
reflect moose physical condition. They compared five moose populations
using these criteria in conjunction with other known factors concerning
population density and range condition. On the basis of that comparison,
the Unit 13 sample, which comprised animals from the Gakona River and
eastern Alphabet Hills area, rated highest of the five populations
examined. Although we did not conduct statistical analyses, we grossly
compared our spring blood parameters from the upper Susitna River Basin
with those reported by Franzmann et al. (1976). Our values, when compared
to the five other populations sampled, were as follows: both calcium
and glucose rated.highest, packed cell volume rated second, both hemoglobin
and total protein rated third while phosphorus rated sixth. We conclude
from this simple comparison that moose from our study area were generally
in relatively good condition compared to those from populations sampled
elsewhere. We observed some variation in the blood parameters between
tagging areas, and it is possible that some moose were not in as good condition
as others, where environmental factors could be substantially different.
Blood values will be more thoroughly analyzed and discussed in conjunction
with other studies by Dr. Franzmann at the Kenai Moose Research Center.
26
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Figure ll• Cumulative percentage by 5 day increments of calf losses of radio-collared
cow moose in the Upper Susitna River Basin, Summer 1977.
Table .5. A comparison of observed calf production between radio~collared
moose tagged in fall, 1976 versus those tagged in spring 1977
within or close to the Susitna River Study Area.
Fall Collared SEring Collared
Observed Observed
Moose calf Moose Pregnancy calf
II production II status production
8017 1 calf 8570 Pregnant 1
8018 1 calf 8571 Pregnant 1
8019 twins 8572 Pregnant 0
8020 twins 8573 Pregnant 0
8021 1 calf 8574 Pregnant 1
8022 0 8575 Pregnant 0
8029 twins 8576 Unknown 0
8030 1 calf 8577 Pregnant 0
8031 0 8578 Not pregnant 0
8032 1 calf 8579 Pregnant 0
8033 twins 8581 Pregnant 0
8034 1 calf 8582 Pregnant 0
8035 0 8583 Not pregnant 0
8036 1 calf 8584 Pregnant Twins
-~
8037 1 calf 8585 Pregnant 0
8038 1 calf 8586 Pregnant 1
8039 twins 8587 Pregnant 1
8040· twins 8588 Unknown 0
8042 1 calf 8589 Not pregnant 0
8044 1 calf
.. Totals
20 23 19 7
29
The average age of moose collared during our study was approximately
7 years. Twenty-three percent of the moose sampled were 10 years old or
older. VanBallenberghe (in press) reported that 49 percent of the
tagged moose in Gulkana, Gakona and Chistochina River areas were 10
years old or older. Bailey (1978) reported that for the Kenai Peninsula
f~mp,J~Sc:lJh-)l'e~r!;J pld;or, Ql,d,~]7·,constituted 28 to 34 percent of the moose
;)!l:ampl~d'·'i3Jid>Didi'ickson and Taylor (1978) found that 9 of 24 (38
:·; percent) cows tagged in the Peter's Hills area were 10 years old or
older. We surmise from these comparisons that moose in our study area
have a relatively younger age structure than other populations studied
thu~i far in Southcentral Alaska. In Sweden Markgren (1969) concluded
.,,, that moose between 6 and 11 years of age produced more twin calves than
cows in other age classes. If his data are applicable to moose populations
in Southcentral Alaska, half of Susitna River study area populations are
currently at prime breeding age.
Mcilroy (1974) expressed concern that perhaps low bull:cow ratios
were influencing conception rates in portions of Unit 13. Our study
revealed a pregnancy rate of 88 percent which compares closely with the
86 percent rate reported by VanBallenberghe (in press) in another portion
of Unit 13. However, VanBallenberghe noted what he believed to be much
variation between the relative size of fetuses. Over the years a number
of biologists have speculated that low bull:cow ratios would influence
conception rates (Mcilroy 1974, Bailey 1978). One study in the Matanuska
Valley of Southcentral Alaska, where bull:lOO cow ratios have ranged
from 4 to 20, demonstrated high pregnancy rates (Bishop and Rausch
1974). It is logical that at some point low bull:cow ratios would
eventually influence reproduction, but the point at which that threshold
level occurs has not yet been determined in North America.
During our spring tagging we determined that 14 of our radio-
collared cows were pregnant. Subsequent observations in late spring and
summer revealed that these animals only produced 7 calves. In contrast,
20 cows collared in the fall produced at least 23 calves. We do not
know if the differences between the two groups reflect actual production
since shortly after parturition most calves were lost. Nevertheless, the
data were cause for concern, since we had problems with determining drug
dosages. Reynolds (pers. comm.) suspected that either the drug (succinylcholine
chloride) or rectal palpation was responsible for low calf production of
his marked cows. We noted several instances during tagging when it
became necessary to administer artificial respiration to prevent animals
from dying. Unfortunately, we did not record these instances in a
manner which would allow us to determine if any correlation existed
between lack of calf production and the drug related problems. Perhaps
those animals and others which may have been oxygen starved but did not
require artificial respiration accounted for the apparent low calf
production. More investigation is needed to confirm or reject this
hypothesis. Regardless, there are substantial economic and biological
reasons for no longer utilizing succinylcholine chloride to immobilize
moose (Gasaway et al., in review). These investigators utilized M-99
Rompun on a large number of moose and had good success.
30
~
..
~
Our radio-collared moose exhibited all the types of movements
described by LeResche (1974) for moose in North America. Most moose
during this study were either somewhat sedentary, occupying the same
drainage year around with migration consisting primarily of movements
from higher to lower elevations, or highly migratory, moving from higher
summer elevations to lower winter elevations with considerable distances
in between.
Fall migration during 1977 and 1978 was initiated primarily during
the month of November. Its occurrence appeared to be at least partially
correlated with the first heavy snowfall of the year. Heavy snowfall
came earlier in 1977 than in 1978 and probably accounted for the earlier
dates of migration that year. LeResche (1974) reported that most investigators
had reported that weather and particularly snow conditions were the
mediating factor in moose migrations. Our tentative observations are
supported by other studies in Alaska (Rausch 1958 and VanBallenberghe 1978).
Although fall migration appeared to be initiated by most moose during
the same time period, the speed at which individual moose moved to the
wintering site was quite variable. Some moose arrived on wintering
areas in mid-December while others continued to meander in a southward
direction until early spring.
Spring migration was not as clearly defined as was fall migration.
Several moose began moving in April, arriving on summer range in early
May where calving took place. Other moose remained close to the wintering
site where some calved and then undertook the northward migration in
mid-July. Some of the summer migrators never reached the sites where
they were originally tagged. These animals then turned around and began
the southward migration in November. VanBallenberghe (1978) reported
that moose in the eastern portion of Unit 13 departed from their wintering
areas between mid-April and mid-June. Similarly, once our cow moose
began spring-summer migration, the movement to summer ranges was rapid,
usually taking less than 7 days.
LeResche (1974) found that home range during a given season seldom
e~ceeded 5-10 km2. Since this was only the first year of the study, we
did not compute areas of home range. Nevertheless, it is obvious that
many of the moose had small seasonal home ranges particularly those from
the western half of the study area.
Based upon our one year of data it appears that four or five separate
populations may exist in the study area. Obviously much of the following
discussion is speculation since the study was conducted during only one
winter--and a somewhat mild one at that. Further study is needed to
strengthen and modify this tentative appraisal. Groups, or perhaps
separate populations, of moose were as follows:
Clearwater Mountains -Western Alphabet Hills Population -This population
apparently consists of both a highly migratory segment and a resident
segment. Cows tagged in the Clearwater Mountains were extremely migratory.
Most occupied the area only during late summer and fall. During November
these animals migrated down the Maclaren River and Clearwater Creek to
31
the bottomlands along the lower Maclaren River. Some moose wintered
along the lower Maclaren area where they shared winter ·range with other
moose which resided in the area year around. Other Clearwater moose and
some from the Maclaren River area continued migrating south. They
either followed the Susitna River or traveled through the Alphabet Hills
down Monsoon Lake Creek. They eventually wintered either in old spruce
burns on the south side of the Alphabet Hills or at the mouths of the
Oshetna and Tyone Rivers.
Upper Susitna River Population -Moose from this population generally
were year around residents of the east, middle, and west forks of the
Susitna River. Most made relatively short movements, moving from higher
elevations in summer to lower elevations in winter. The mouths of
Valdez and Windy Creeks and the junction of the forks of the Susitna
River receive heavy moose usage through fall, winter and early spring.
This population's movements appeared to correspond closely to the
drainage patterns of the upper Susitna River.
Upper Nenana -Brushkana Population -Moose from this population appear
to be comprised of animals which reside in the tributary drainages of
the Upper Nenana. These moose are migratory in that they occupy
the upper drainages in fall and summer but winter in lowland areas where they
share winter range with year around residents. Evidence suggests that
some individuals ·may make extensive fall migrations down the Nenana
River. There appeared to be a noticeable distinction between animals
from this area and those utilizing the adjacent upper ~usitna River
drainages. Obviously some exchange between these two populations occurs.
Susitna River Population -On the Susitna River from Butte Creek down to
Devil's Canyon most of the study animals exhibited both relatively short
movements and small home ranges. Movements were mostly altitudinal in
nature with the exception of those cows tagged in upper Butte Creek.
Those moose migrated either down the Susitna River or Butte Creek where
they wintered either at the mouth of Watana Creek or the vicinity of the
Susitna Bend. There did not appear to be much interchange of animals in
an east-west direction. Some evidence exists to indicate that these
resident moose share winter range with other highly migratory populations.
The movement of visual-collared moose #80 may be a good example.
Perhaps one of the more significant findings of this study is that
of 33 moose radio-collared within the wolf removal area, 17 spent some
portion of the year outside the area. This movement outside the study
area was most prevalent for the Clearwater Mountains -Western Alphabet
Hills population. Obviously if substantial numbers of moose moved out
of the study area and remained there, especially during calving, then
those portions of the population could be subjected to wolf predation~
As a consequence of these findings modifications were made in the wolf
removal experiment.
During late spring and summer our observations of calves with
radio-collared cows indicated that considerable neonatal mortality was
occurring in this study area. We determined that 78 percent of the
32
..
losses occurred prior to 24 June. After that time period the rate of
loss decreased and calf survival was high at least to early November.
If our observations of calves with fall radio-collared cows were any
indication of survival, it would be anticipated that ca1ves, born in
spring 1977 and surviving to November 1977, should then survive through
at least April or May 1978. This predic~ion does not consider the
consequences of a severe winter, should it occur. The fate of the
surviving calves from fall radio-collared cows beyond April and May is
unknown.
We were unable to determine the causes of calf mortality during
this study. We did, however, riote the presence of grizzly bears (Ursus
arctos) on a few occasions. The timing of calf losses from this study
was nearly identical to that which occurred during the moose calf mortality
study where causes were determined (Ballard and Taylor in press). In
that one-year study grizzly bear predation was the single most important
mortality factor.
Recommendations
1. The moose movements study should be continued for at least one
additional year to acquire at least 2 years data on each radio-
collared animal.
2. If funding permits, radio-collared cow production and subsequent
survival of calves should be monitored intensively during 1978 and
again in 1979.
Acknowledgements
A large number of individuals from the Alaska Department of Fish
and Game participated in various aspects of the project and it would be
difficult to give each recognition; A. Franzmann, T. Bailey, T. Spraker,
and T. Balland participated in both tagging operations.
Al Franzmann, Kenai Moose Research Center, ADF&G, advised on
various aspects of the project and assisted with interpreting the results
from the blood tests. ·
Sterling Eide and Ted Spraker, ADF&G, assisted with monitoring
moose movements and, more importantly, shared their ideas with respect
to interpreting the results.
Artina Cunning and Tom Balland constructed tables and maps for this
report. Charles Lucier and his staff processed and aged moose teeth.
Karl Schneider and Don McKnight reviewed the manuscript and made
helpful suggestions. I
Vern Lofstedt, Kenai Air Service, continued to do an excellent job
of piloting the helicopter'. Mr. Kenneth Bunch, Sportsman Flying Service,
Mr. Alfred Lee, Lee's Gu~de Servi,ce, Mr. Kenneth Holland, and Mr. Richard Halford,
Susitna Flying Service all partic~pated in collaring and monitoring
radios. i
33
LITERATURE CITED
Bailey, T. N. 1978. Kenai Peninsula moose population identity study.
Alaska Dept. Fish and Game. Fed. Aid in Wildl. Rest. P-R Proj.
Final Report., W-17-3, W-17-4, W-17-5, W-17-6, W-17-7, W-17-8 and
W-17-9. 84pp. (multilith).
Ballard, W. B. and K. P. Taylor (in press). Moose calf mortality study,
Game Management Unit 13. Alaska Dept. Fish and Game. P-R Proj.
W-17-10. Prog. Rept.
Bishop, R. H. and R. A. Rausch. 1974. Moose population fluctuations in
Alaska, 1950-1972. Naturaliste Canadien 101:559-593.
Didrickson, J. C. and K.-P. 1978. Lower Susitna VAlley Moose Population
Identity Study. Alaska Dept. Fish and Game. P-R Proj. W-17-8 and
W-17-9, Job 1.16 R. Final Rept. 20pp (multilith).
Franzmann, A. W. and P. D. Arneson. 1973. Moose Research Center Studies.
Alaska Dept. Fish and Game. P-R Proj. Rept., W-17-5. 60pp.
(multilith).
Franzmann, A. W.; P. D. Arneson, R. E. LeResche, and J •. L. Davis. 1974.
Development and testing of new techniques for moose management.
Alaska Dept. Fish and'Game. P-R Proj. Final Rept., W-17-2, W-17-3,
W-17-4, W-17-5 and W-17-6. 54pp. (multilith).
Franzmann, A. W., A. Flynn, and P. D. Arneson. 1975. Levels of some
mineral elements in Alaskan moose hair. J. Wildl. Mgmt. 39(2):374-
378.
Franzmann, A. W., R. E. LeResche, P. D.
Moose productivity and physiology.
Proj. Final Rept., W-17-2, W-17-3,
7. 87pp. (multilith).
Arneson and J. L. Davis. 1976.
Alaska Dept. Fish and Game P-R
W-17-4, W-17-5, W-17-6 and W-17-
Gasaway, W. C., A. W. Franzmann and J. B. Faro. (in review). Immobilization
of free ranging moose with a mixture of etrophine (M-99) and xylazine
hydrochloride (ROMPUN). 8pp. Typewritten.
Greer, K. R. and W. W. Hawkins. 1967.
rectal palpation. J. Wild!. Mgmt.
Determining pregnancy in elk by
Vol. 31, (1):145-149.
LeResche, R. E. 1974. Moose migrations in North America. Naturaliste
Can., 101:393-415.
Markgren, G. 1969. Reproduction of moose in Sweden. Viltrevy, G(3):1-
299.
Mcilroy, C. 1974. Moose survey-inventory progress report -1972, Game
Management Unit 13. pp 66-74. In McKnight, D. E. (Ed). 1974.
Annual report of survey-inventory activities, Part II. Moose,
caribou, marine mammals and goat. Ak. Fed. Aid in Wildl. Rest.
Rep., Proj. W-17-5. 269pp. (multilith).
34
f
Mech, L. D. 1974. Current techniques in-the study of elusive wilderness
carnivores. Proc. of XI. Internat. Congress of Game Bio., pp315-322.
Nielson, A. E. and W. M. Shaw. 1967. A helicopter dart technique for
capturing moose. Proc. West. Assoc. Game and Fish Comm. 47:183-199.
Rausch, R. A. 1958. Mo9s1 ~anagement studies. Fed. Aid Wildl. Rest.
Job Completion Rept. '(ol. 12, Proj. W-.3-R-12. Alaska Game Comm.
Juneau. 138pp. 1
I
Sergeant, D. E. and D. H. Pimlott.
from sectioned incisor teeth.
1959. Age determination in moose
J. Wildl. Mgmt. Vol. 23(3):315-321.
Skoog, R. 0.
Alaska.
1968. Ecology of caribou (Rangifer tarandus:granti) in
Ph.D. Thesis, Univ. of California, Berkeley, California.
I
VanBallenberghe, V. (1978). ~igratory behavior of moose in
southcentral Alaska. Proc. 13th Int. Con£. Game Biol., Atlanta,
Georgia. 12pp. !
VanBallenberghe, V. (in press). Final report on the effects of the
Trans-Alaska Pipeline on moose movements. Alaska Dept. Fish and
Game. 44pp. Typewritten.
Yankee Jr., W. H. 1974. Annual population and employment projections,
1961-1980. Alaska Dept. of Labor, Juneau. lOpp.
PREPARED BY: APPROVED BY:
699pp.
Warren B. Ballard
Game Biologist
~f'-.1?._-.---If L--;T j!'-Y:'Py-;,r/,/44<.-/
SUBMITTED BY:
Karl Schneider I
Regional Research Coordina'tor
I
i
ce-~ ~\['\(~~
Research Chief, Divi · n of Game
35
APPENDIX I
Moose Movements and Habitat Use
Along the Upper Susitna River--A Preliminary Study of
Potential Impacts of the Devils
Canyon Hydroelectric Project
by
Kenton P. Taylor
and
Warren B. Ballard
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Division of Game
Robert A. Hinman, Acting Director
March 1978
36
I
Summary • • • • • •
Background. • • • •
Description of Area • • •
Procedures.
Findings
CONTENTS
Numbers of Moose Captured ••
Movements. • • • • • ••
Devil Mountain Area •
Watana Creek. • • • •
Susitna Bend Area •
Maclaren River Area •
Habitat Use ••
Discussion. • • •
Conclusions • • •
Recommendations • •
Acknowledgements. • • • •
Literature Cited. •
SUMMARY
.. . .
37
. • • • • 38
• 40
40
42
• . • • 42
44
• 44
• • 44
• 49
52
• • • • • 52
55
• 58
• 59
• 59
• 61
During October 1976 and March 1977, 18 radio collars and 21 visual
collars were placed on moose along the Susitna River from the mouth of
the Maclaren River downstream to DeVil Creek. Radio tracking flights
over 13 months yielded 270 observations of radio-collared moose. Visual
collars were located 43 times. Movements were slight for radio-collared
moose between Jay Creek and Devil Mountain, generally within 48 km 2 •
One visual collar from Devil Creek was seen near Lone Butte, 84 km east
of her tagging location. Movements of moose collared east of Jay Creek
were substantially longer, and migrations up to 103 km were observed.
Radio-collared moose werelfound most often (70 percent) in spruce dominated
habitats during all seasons. Seven of the eight cows that produced calves
gave birth in spruce vegetation. The bend of the Susitna River from
Goose Creek to the mouth of Tyone River was identified as important
winter habitat for moose from many areas of the Susitna River drainage.
Lower elevations along the Susitna River were found to be important as
both wintering and calving areas for resident populations, particularly
on the south side, east of Stephan Lake. Collared moose crossed the
Susitna a minimum of 26 times during this study, 15 of which were across
that portion which would be inundated by dam construction.
Movement data gathered over a period of only 13 months are insufficient
to accurately delineate separate moose populations. Evidence to date
suggests that moose from many portions of the Susitna River drainage
utilize habitats adjacent to or portions of the area which will be
flooded by dam construction. Intensive vegetative studies and research
on movements both upstream and downstream are needed to adequately
assess the impacts of the proposed construction (Appendix II).
37
B..t\.CKGROUND
Feasibility studies,onp;roviding hydroeiee"tric power fromt~e
Susitna River to the railbelt area qf southcentral Alaska have been
conducted since 1948. Potential dam sites were identified by the u.s.
Bureau of Reclamation, the Alaska Power Administration and the Henry J.
Kaiser Company. Proposed hydroelectric projects have included from 2 to
12 dams within the Susitna River basin, along with associated maintenance
facilities and transmission lines to Anchorage and Fairbanks (Dept. of
Army 1975).
The Devils Canyon-Watana dam system has been selected by the Army
Corps of Engineers as the most viable of several alternatives (Fig. 1).
This system would theoretically provide 6.1 billion kilowatt-hours of
electrical power annually from a dependable capacity of 1,568 megawatts
(Army Corps of Engineers 1975). The Devils Canyon dam would be a concrete
structure 193 m high_, and the Watana dam would be a rock fill impoundment
rising 247 m above the river bottom. A 103-km road from Chulitna to the
Watana site including a 198-m bridge across the Sustina would be constructed
for transporting materials and personnel to the dam sites. Five hundred
eighty-six km·of transmission line corridors, 57-64 m wide, would be cut
across the mountains between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Warehouses,
vehicle storage buildings and permanent living quarters would be erected
at the dam sites. The total projected cost of completing this project
is $2,100,000,000 (Army Corps of Engineers 1977). The estimated annual
cost for operation for 100 years following completion is $104,000,000.
Power on the line from the Watana site is scheduled for 1986 and from
the Devils Canyon dam by 1990. Construction and .maintenance of this
system would constitute the largest hydro-power project in North America
(Gravel 1977).
Construction of both proposed dam sites would inundate 51,000 acres
of the river valley, 132 km upstream to a point between the Tyone and
Oshetna Rivers (Fish and Wildl. Ser. 1975). Water levels of the Devils
Canyon reservoir are expected to remain almost constant but may fluctuate
up to 55 m (ob. cit.). The Watana reservoir is projected to have substantial
seasonal fluctuations up to 78 m. Downstream flow is expected to be
maintained at a constant rate between 8,000 and 10,000 cubic feet per
second, eliminating the flooding action that presently occurs each
spring when do.wnstream flows may be as high as 90,000 cfs (Army Corps of
Engineers 197S).
The Susitna River Basin has long been recognized as an extremely
rugged wilderness area of high esthetic appeal and as an important
habitat to a wide variety of wildlife species (ADF&G, unpubl. data).
Most important to sport and subsistence users are moose (Alces alces)
and caribou (Rangifer tarandus). Hydroelectric development has been
under consideration in this area for a number of years and some very
general ungulate population assessment work was begun in 1974 (USF&W
1975). Since then no studies were conducted in the project area until
1976 when limited funds were made available to begin acquiring baseline
information on moose and caribou populations within and adjacent to the
project area. The purpose of this report is to present the findings of
this one-year study and to discuss their implications in relation to the
construction of the proposed hydroelectric project.
38
Figure 1. Devils Canyon Proposed Hydroelectric Project Moose Movement
Study Area. Devils Canyon Project, March 1978. ,,
II .. ··
I
'AT ANA
Di1l«~en refw lo mlltt obovtmouttl.
Elnohona rtftr to m•• e.a l.vtl.
r
_j
r"" r
I
/ Wes•
UPPER SUSITNA RIVER PROFILE ( c:J-
~·~". '-~"')
r
BASIN BOUNDA.RY j ._//"r .... J ~/""' : { (/' v r\. '""··/'-___ .-/V ....
RIVER MILES 120-290
RECOMMENDED ~
/ _____ ~_
-,
)
A DAM AND RESERVOIR Alii ~ Wolana Access Road \
DEVIL CANYON DAMSITE. (Proposed) t~\,
~U' '\ f~ v ~ " -...
<90 l v~ \
(')-<l ~ ~ ~}-\
I 0
~ I MOOSE I\10VEME~TS:
..... "
1C}
···.
DESCRIPTION OF AREA
Moose movements and habitat use were studied in· that portion of the
Susitna River Basin lying between latitudes 60°30'.-63°15' north and
longitudes 146°30'-149° west (Figure 1). The landscape is primarily
mountainous and ranges in .elevation from 300 to 1900 m. Semi-arid
conditions dominate this area of the basin. Temperatures are generally
cool in the summer and overcast days are common. Snowfall is usually
moderate and ground accumulation does not often exceed one meter.
Prevailing winds are out of the east and north. High winds are common
along the river during any season.
Along the banks of the Susitna and its tributaries from the Maclaren
River to Devil Creek the dominant vegetative cover is black spruce
(Picea mariana), interspersed with muskeg bogs on the basin floor.
Occasional stands of black cottonwood (Populus trichocaPpa) are found on
the islands in the river. Understory vegetation in the lower elevations
includes highbush cranberry (Viburnum edule), devil's club (Echinopanax
horridus), blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), lowbush cranberry (Vaccinium
vitis-idaea) and several representatives of the rose and grass families.
Hardwoods such as aspen (Populus tremuloides) and birch (Betula papyrifera)
are often found interspersed among the spruce, predominantly on south-
facing slopes. White spruce (Picea glauca) replaces the smaller, stunted
black spruce on better drained soils. The understory above 300 m contains
blueberry, lowbush cranberry, Labrador tea (Ledum spp.), fireweed (Epilobium
spp.), crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), and several mosses and lichens.
Alder (Alnus spp.) dominates the reaches just above timberline,
particularly along the headwaters of streams. Willow (Salix spp.)
exists throughout the study area but occurs most frequently at timberline
and on riparian sites. Alpine tundra extends above the alder-willow
zone about 1200 m. A network of old caribou trails scars the tundra
slopes of the mountain foothills throughout most of the area.
PROCEDURES
During October 1976 and March 1977, moose were captured along the
Susitna River from its confluence with the Maclaren River downstream to
Devil Creek. They were darted from a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter using
standard techniques described by Franzmann et al. (1974) with doses of
Anectine (Succinylcholine chloride), ranging from 23 to 29 mg. All
captured moose were marked with plastic flagging affixed with metal ear
tags and with either a radio collar, visual collar, or both. Radio
collars were manufactured by AVM Instrument Company (Champaign, Illinois).
These collars weighed 1.1 kg and were constructed of machine belting
13 mm thick and 65 mm wide with an adjustable inner circumference of 101
to 106 em. The belting surrounded the radio components which were
encased in dental acrylic, making the unit waterproof. Each radio was
equipped with a SB-2 transmitter powered by cold resistant lithium batteries.
All radios operated on frequencies between 150.700 and 151.875 MHz.
Each visual collar (as described by Franzmann et al. 1974) had three
sets of numerals, one on top and one on each side, to facilitate identi-
fication from the air. Visual collars were placed over many of the
40
.•
i
Figure 2. Survey form used. to record data during radio tracking flights along the
Susitna River. Devils Canyon Project, 1978.
SUSITNA STIJDY
MOOSE RADIO OBSERVATION FO~~
Observer: Weather:
Time off: Temp.:
Time On:
Radio # Ch ~~~ 1 s -----Cal ----L -----------y, ----- ---N ~ -~
~
8583 4-7-4.0
!8584 4-8-2.0
8586 4-10-3.2
8589 4-12-3.0 .
8580 4-6-2.0
8038 4-3-2.8
8573 2-9-3.5
8576 . 3-6-0.0
8022 1-4-2.5
8588 4-12-2.4
8040 4-11-.5
. . . . . .
8578 4-4-3.9
8579 4-5-1.9 ..
80.31 3-8-2.5
8035 3-12-1.4
8018 1-2-3.8
8030 3-7-1.5
8575 2-12-4.2
--~ ---------------------------- -~ ~-~-
41
.
radios to enable observers to more easily pick out the radio-collared
individual from a group of moose.
When conditions permitted, a lower front incisor was removed from
each moose for age analysis using techniques developed by Sargent arid
Pimlott (1959). Blood and hair samples also were collected to aid in
assessing physiological condition using methods described by Franzmann
et al. (1975). Several physical measurements were taken when time
permitted and general physical condition was asses~ed according to
criteria developed by Franzmann and Arneson (1973). Cows captured in
March were rectally palpated using techniques described by Greer and
Hawkins (1967) to determine pregnancy.
Radio tracking flights were made monthly in a Piper PA-18 Supercub
equipped with two three-element Yagi antennas connected to a four band,
12 channel portable received manufactured by AVM Instrument Company.
Tracking methods were similar to those described by Mech (1974). Radio
locations, vegetation type and miscellaneous notes were recorded for
each observation (Fig. 2). During parturition, flights were increased
to approximately every 3 to 5 days to more adequately assess initial
production and survival of calves.
FINDINGS
Numbers of Moose Captured
Thirty-nine moose were captured and collared during October 1976
and March 1977 along the Susitna River in the vicinity of that portion
of the river which would be inundated by the construction of the pro-
posed dams at Devils Canyon and Watana Creek. Although the 13 moose
collared in October were not originally part of this study, the data
from these animals are included in this report. Collaring location and
other pertinent tagging statistics are summarized in Table 1. Eighteen
moose were fitted with radio transmitters and 21 wore numbered visual
collars only. Twenty-seven incisor teeth were collected during the
collaring operation, and cementum layer analysis indicated the average
age for females was 6.7 years with a range from 2 to 13 years. Yearlings
were generally avoided during the collaring operation. Of 21 females
palpated, 18 were pregnant (85.7 percent).
Blood and physical measurement data were combined with those from
other moose studies and were presented elsewhere (Ballard and Taylor, in
prep.). Briefly, the pooled blood parameters tested were very comparable
to values obtained from other studies of populations considered to be in
good condition. _Some parameters tested (hemoglobin and packed cell
volume) from the Devil Mountain area were lower than those from the
other tagging sites, but it is not known if those differences were
statistically significant since no tests have as yet been performed.
A total of 270 observations were recorded for 18 radio-collared
moose between late October 1975 and mid November 1977. One radio-
collared moose was found dead two weeks after collaring. The cause of
death was undetermined; we suspect, however, that it was drug related.
42
Table 1. Date, location and general information of female moose radio and visual collared
along the Susitna River. Devils Canyon Project, 1978.
• Collar
Number
8583
8584
8586
8589
8580
8038
8573
8576
8022
8588
8040
8578
8579
8031
8035
8018
8030
8575
2 Blue
4 Blue
5 Blue
6 Blue
7 Blue
71 Blue
50 Blue
51 Blue
52 Blue
53 Blue
54 Blue
56 Blue
58 Blue·
60 Blue
61 Blue
63 Blue
64 Blue
75 White
79White
80 White
81 White
Collaring
Date
3/18/77
3/18/77
3/18/77
3/18/77
3/18/77
10/27/76
3/19/77
3/19/77
10/28/76
3/19/77
10/28/76
3/20/77
3/20/77
10/22/76
10/27/76
10/27/76
10/22/76
3/21/77
10/22/76
10/22/76
10/22/76
10/22/76
10/22/76
10/28/76
3/22/77
3/22/77
3/22/77
3/22/77
3/22/77
3/22/77
3/22/77
3/20/77
3/20/77
3/20/77
3/20/77
3/19/77
3/19/77
3/18/77
3/18/77
Location
E. of Devil Mtn.
E. of Devil Mtn.
Devil Mtn.
E. of Devil Mtn.
Devil Mtn.
Watana
Susitna-Watana
Susitna-Watana
I ! I Upper Watana
Upper Jay Creek
Upper Watana·
Susitna-Tyone
Susitna-Tyone
S. Bend-Susitna
S. MacLaren Flats
Butte Creek
W. of Ballard L.
Lower Maclaren
N. Oshetna R.
Susitna-Tyone
Susitna-Tyone
Susitna-Tyone
Susitna-Tyone
Jay Creek
Lower Maclaren R.
Lower Maclaren R.
Lower Maclaren R.
Lower Maclaren R.
Lower Maclaren R.
Lower Maclaren R.
Lower Maclaren R.
,Susitna N. of Tyone
Susitna N. of Tyone
Susitna Bend
Susitna Bend
Jay Creek
Jay Creek
E. Devil Mtn.
E. Devil Mtn.
Anectine Cementum
Dosage Age (years)
27 mg.
25 mg.
23 mg.
27 mg.
23 mg.
27 mg.
28 mg.
29 mg.
29 mg.
29 mg.
27 mg.
25 mg.
27 mg.
29 mg.
25 mg.
29 mg.
27 mg.
27 mg.
25 mg.
29 mg.
27 mg.
25 mg.
27 mg.
27 mg.
25 mg.
27 ~g.
27 mg.
28 mg.
25 mg.
27 mg.
27 mg.
28 mg.
28 mg.
25 mg.
27 mg.
4
10
9
8
10
8
2
3
2
6
11
9
4
6
5
6
3
8
3
7
4
7
12
13
5
11
4
Condition* Pregnant**
6
6
4
7
6
7
7
7
5
6
7
7
6
6
7
7
6
6
7
5
7
7
7
7
7
7
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
*Condition was determined by general appearance and relative amount of fat over rump and
ribs. Scale of 1-10, 10= excellent. See Franzmann et al. (1974) for criteria.
**Only cows collared in March and palpated are included in this column.
43
Another moose was lost from the sample when we were unable to relocate
it after one month of tracking. Its loss was attributed to a faulty
transmitter.
Movements
Radio-collared moose occupied areas ranging from 21 km 2 to 520 km 2
(Table 2). Significantly smaller areas were occupied in the rugged
terrain between Jay Creek and Devils Canyon than east of Jay Creek where
the terrain becomes more open and level. The correlation between the
number of sightings and size of range for each moose was r = 0.50.
Observed locations and detailed movements of each radio-collared moose
are presented in Appendix I. A brief description of radio-collared
moose movements follows.
Devil Mountain Area: Three moose (#s 8583, 8584 and 8586) were radio-
collared on Devils Mountain on 18 March 1977, approximately 3 km north
of the Susitna River (Fig. 3). All three remained in the vicinity of
their tagging location until spring when #8583 moved 8 km east. Both
#8584 and #8586 remained on their winter range through April. At the
end of May, during the peak of calving, #8584 and #8586 were located lO-
ll km to the southeast on the other side of the Susitna River within
2 km of each other. Three days later #8584 was seen with two new calves
and //8586 was seen with one. Number 8583 was not pregnant when palpated
in March. She remained on the north side of the river within a 3 km
radius of her April location. Nu~ber 8586 lost her calf within two
weeks and remained through the fall within 6 km of her calving location.
Moose //8584 lost one calf within the first two weeks and the other prior
to the first week in July. She was found on the north side of the river
on 28 June and on the south side on 5 July where she remained through
the fall. All three moose remained at elevations below 950 m during the
time they were monitored. Some seasonal fluctuation in elevation occurred
just prior to calving as #8584 and #8586 moved down from the south
facing slope of the riverbank and crossed the river to calve. Seasonal
home ranges for all three moose appeared to be small, probably not in
excess of 20 km 2 •
Watana Creek Area: Three radios were placed on cows along upper Watana
Creek in October. Two of these females, #8040 (Fig. 4) and #8022 (Fig. 5),
were collared together. Both moved to lower elevations as winter progressed
and remained there until June. Number 8040 was seen with twins on
8 June but on 16 June the calves were missing and were never seen again.
The cow returned to upper Watana Creek and remained within a 2 km radius
throughout the fall. Number 8022 traveled considerably farther than
#8040 as she crossed the Susitna sometime in February and returned in
March. On 1 June she was seen in the same vicinity as #8040 on lower
Watana Creek. On 16 June they were again found in close proximity. Her
movements indicated no distinct migration between winter and summer
ranges. Number 8022 was never seen with a calf. During the calving
season she was found in four different locations.
Number 8038 was collared 5 km south of Big Lake. During all 19
observations this moose was between 600 m and 950 m elevation (Fig. 4).
Although she was observed with a new calf on 26 May, when checked again
44
~
.:,·
'~};.
Table 2. Range size, number of locations and minimum number of river crossings·of
radio-collared moose along the Susitna River. Devils Canyon Project, 1978.
Collar Number of Range Range Total Minimum number
Number Locations Length km. Width km. Area km 2 of river crossings
8583 12 11.6 4.8 30.9 0
8584 .12 17.7 4.5 37.3 3
8586 10 17.7 5.3 30.9 1
8589 2
8580 3 -------
8038 ;, 19 14.2 9.3 51.5 0
8573 . 14 14.8 7.9 47.6 2
8576 12 6.9 6.4 20.6 0
8022 18 24.8 17.2 180.2 . 1
8588 11 13.5 8.2 39.9 1*
8040 19 17.1 6.4 49.9 0
8578 17 14.3 5.5 32.2 1
8579 10 30.6 11.9 173.2 2
8031 26 16.1 12.1 74.7 0
8035 23 62.3 14.0 373.4 0
8018 18 65.0 18.7 520.1 2
8030 24 55.5 21.2 415.8 2
8575 20 103.0 10.5 291.4 0
270 Total Ave. range size 148.1 km 2 15 Total
* Cow observed on island.
Correlation between number of sightings and size of range for each moose =0.50.
45
Figure 3. Location and General Range Size for Radio-Collared Moose Along the
Susitna River near Devil Mountain. Devils· Canyon Project, March 1978.
#S 5 -so.-:-c::::J
; a'~'.84 == [[[I]fu
$1:8583 = wzm
-=fi::8586 =-~
.. .,
: _,. . . .
:'t•• I
·~,
...-;.
A mi.
" •
N
1
6.f.
[
II
;
Figure 4. Location and General Range of Radio~Collared Moose Numbers ··
,
8038, 8040 and 8573 Along Watana Creek. Devils Canyon Project,
March 1978.
8573= ~~
8038 = 11111111111
8040 =
•
..
. ~ ......
47
.. ~_=··
Figure 5. . Location and General Range of Radio-Collared Moose Numbers· •'
8022, 8576 and 85.88 Along Watana Creek. Devils Canyon Project,..·
,
March· ·1978 . .-·
8022 =
85 76 = ""'fl!"~""~!!"'"l! ..... ll~ll
8588 = r~.:n:J.'-1:!·,,
..
.. •
48
~
..
~
t
"
•
;
. .
on 31 May the calf was missing. From June through fall she appeared to
move constantly, and the range used throughout this period overlapped
that of winter observations.
On 19 March three females (#s 8573, 8576 and 8588) were collared on
the north side of the Susitna between Watana and Jay Creeks. Number
8576 moved less extensively than any of the other radio-collared females
(Fig. 5). She was observed 12 times,2all on the north side of the river
within an area of approximately 28 km . When last observed on 30 November
she was within 2 km of her tagging location. Female #8588 also wintered
along the north bank of the Susitna. She moved to an island in the
river in early June and was observed again on the north bank on 8 June
where she remained through November (Fig. 5). Number 8573 wintered
along the north shore of the Susitna and crossed to the south bank
during calving season (Fig. 4). She was never observed with a calf,
although it was determined that she was pregnant when collared. However,
she was not visually observed between 26 May and 3 June. She remained
on the south side of the river until July when she returned to her
collaring location. She stayed there until 30 November when, after a
moderate snowfall, she moved to lower elevations near the mouth of
Watana Creek.
Susitna Bend Area: Movements were more extensive for those moose collared
east of Jay Creek. Number 8031 was collared in October 1976 on the
north side of the Susitna near the mouth of the Tyone River. Two others,
numbers 8578 and 8579, were collared in the same vicinity in March 1977 .
Number 8031 was observed almost exclusively between 600 m and 950 m in
spruce habitats along the north and west banks of the Susitna (Fig. 6).
She was never observed on the south bank of the river. She had a calf
when tagged which survived the winter, but she was never observed with a
calf the following spring. No seasonal range preference is discernible
from her movement pattern.
Number 8579 was once found 30 km from where she was collared (Fig. 6).
She wintered along the Susitna and crossed to the mouth of Goose Creek
in May. She returned to the north side and moved to higher elevations
near the headwaters of Coal Creek:during calving where she remained
through November. She was not located during June and was not observed
with a calf in July, although it had been determined in March that she
was pregnant. She remained in the high country through November.
Cow 118578 wintered in the same vicinity as 8579 and then crossed
the Susitna to the mouth of the Oshetna: 'River (Fig. 6). She never
returned to the north side ana spent the remaining summer months and
fall in an area of approximately 7 km 2 , west of the mouth of Goose
Creek. Number 8578 was not ptegnant when collared in March.
I Number 8030 was collared very close to numbers 8031, 8578 and 8579,
but her movement patterns were totally dissimiler (Fig. 7). She moved
south across the Susitna River and wintered along the drainage of the
Tyone River. By 10 May she had moved 2 km to an island in Susitna Lake
and was observed there with a calf on 30 May. She remained with her
calf through August in the vicinity of Tyone Village and returned on
5 October to within 1 km of her collaring location.
4q
1"1gure o. Location and Gene:ral Range of Radi~Co:llared Moose Numbers
. ~":"'$031, 8578 .and .8s·7g Downstream from the MacLaren River. Devils . '· ,_,., ·•· Cany<m Project, March' 19 78.
1
N -~~e:'-1~ ~
,· .. ~EAOM~N
\ /ftltOUfoiTA ll'f '" ..
"
Q
:
"11
•
..l
~
C.lar•nc:e
.~\..ake
Figure 7. Location and General Range of Radio-collared Moose Numbers
8030 and 8575 Southeast from the Maclaren and Susitna Rivers.
Devils Canyon Project, March 1978.
I ·· ..
...--
"''"•bon h..akc .
'J"'ohn
G'-·~e:... . . -··· \ . . . : .. -, .. .
•• Sl'-de ~ ..• 't'\o.."t.:at" ; : ·.
I •
c·
..
1-.l.O"'d•--a J.~: CJ-
l.,
N
: '
·Maclaren River Area: Two females, numbers 8035 and 8575, were collared
along .the Maclaren River. Number 8035, collared on 27 October 1976,
mov-ed ''59 ·km during November and early December to the mouth of the
Oshetna River where she remained through March (Fig. 8). On 22 April
-she was observed returning to the viGinity of her tagging ·location. She
was observed on several occasions in this area without a calf throughout
·the summer and fall. By 22 November she had returned to the mouth of
the Oshetna River, 50 km from her previous location. During April 1977,
118575 migrated 103 km, the longest movement recorded.during this study,
from the lower Maclaren River to Sucker Lake south of the Glenn Highway
near Tazlina Lake (Fig. 7). She.was pregnant when collared in March but
.was never observed with a calf. This moose remained near Sucker Lake
through May and moved 11 km north to Tolsona Ridge during June where she
spent most of July and August. She ~eturned once to Sucker Lake and
made one trip to Lost Cabin Lake, but both times moved back to Tolsona
Ridge. On 30 September she was observed moving back towards her tagging
location on the Maclaren. By 5 October she had returned 82 km and was
within 9 km of her collaring location.
Female /18018 was collared in Oc·tober along Butte Creek. She was
accoTQ.panied by a calf and remained in the Butte Creek vicinity through
January (Fig. 9). On 7 February she and her calf were observed across
the Susitna, 43 km away on the north side of Kel·ley Lake. She wintered
there with her calf and began moving up the Maclaren in April. On
30 May~s.he was seen with a new calf which was observed until 10 June.
~y-12· J~ly she ha4 returned 30 km in the direction of her tagging location
B.n.d -remained in.· .. the.:same vicinity ·she ·had inhabited the previous fall
ttl.rough November • ·
: .. Ra~to-collared moose movement data were supplemented somewhat by
inc~ici:ental observations of visually-collared moose. Eleven additional
river crossings were documented and possible migratory directions were
identified. The second longest movement during this study o~curred
:when the moose wearing visual collar number 80 was found near Lone
Butte, 84 km southeast of her tagging location at Devils Mountain. Of
the moose collared west of Jay Creek, she alone showed any migratory
movement of significant distance. Collar number 60 was tagged in March 1977
just north of the mouth of Tyone Creek and was found 78 km to the northwest
between the Nenana River and West Fork Glacier in August. One moose,
1110, collared along Butte Creek in October 1976 moved down Watana Creek
to the Susitna where she was found in August. Another, #67, was collared
near Susitna Lodge in March 1977 and was located in November at the
headwaters of Jay Creek.
Habitat Use
Habitat types being utilized by collared moose were noted during
radio-tracking flights, and observations were categorized in nine groups
(Table 3). Because spruce is the dominant vegetation over much of the
study area and is widely variable in density, three categories were used
to describe it. One hundred and seventy-two habitat observations of
radio-collared moose were noted during tracking flights. Seventy percent
of all observations were in spruce dominated habitats. Moose were most
52
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Figure 8. Location and General Range of Radio-Collared Moose Number
8035 along the Maclaren and Susitna Rivers.
ALASKA RANGE
:t: ec F~eld
MOOSE 8035
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Location and General Range ot Rad~o-Collared Moose Number 8018
Along the Haclaren and Susitna Rivers. Devils Canyon Project ~tarch 1978 . -
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radio-tracking flights, and observations were categorized in nine groups
(Table 3). Because spruce is the dominant vegetation over much of the
study area and is widely variable in density, three categories were used
to describe it. One hundred and seventy-two habitat observations of
radio-collared moose were noted during tracking flights. Seventy percent
of all observations were in spruce dominated habitats. Moose were most
often (29.7 percent of observations) found in medium spruce areas where
trees ranged from six to 15 m high in stands of moderate density.
Calving occurred primarily in open spruce areas, most often at
lower elevations where stands of trees 4 to 14 m high were interspersed
with openings. Eight calves, including one set of twins, were born in
spruce habitats while one cow gave birth to a set of twins in alder
dominated habitat. Alder and willow areas at and above timberline were
utilized during the rutting season until late in the fall when snow
depths approached 1 m.
Between Devil Creek and Wata~a Creek, radio-collared moose remained
throughout the year almost exclus~vely at the lower spruce dominated
elevations. Moose collared along ,upper Watana Creek were observed more
often in willow-alder communities iexcept during late winter when they
I
were generally found in spruce habitats at lower elevations.
DISCUSSION
Movement patterns of moose are highly variable. Studies throughout
North America (Edwards and Ritcey 1956, Houston 1968, Goddard 1970,
LeResche 1972) support the hypothesis that movement patterns in moose
may range from being sedentary to seasonal migrations of great distances.
Peterson (1955) believed that many moose spend their whole lives in an
area of 32-800 km 2 • This appears ,to be true for many of the moose in
the Susitna study area. Nine of the 16 moose radio-collared and tracked
for 13 months along the Susitna River occupied areas smaller than 52 km2.
All but one of these were collared west of Jay Creek where the river
valley is fairly narrow and is surrounded by mountains.
LeResche (1974) found that home range seldom exceeds 5-10 km2
during a given season. Because radio-collared moose were only monitored
for 8 to 13 months during this study, data were inadequate to allow
computation of seasonal home range sizes. It was noticed, however, that
several of the radio-collared moose were found repeatedly in areas less
than 10 km2 in extent. Others appeared to be more nomadic, particularly
those collared in the eastern portion of the study area where they
wandered across areas up to 50 km2 during the spring and summer.
Areas of low elevation are often inhabited by both migratory and
nonmigratory moose during winter and spring (LeResche 1972). This was
apparent in the Devil Mountain area where #80 was collared. Between
March and September 1977 she moved a straight line distance of 84 km to
the southeast while a cow collared at the same time in the same location
remained within 11 km of her collaring site throughout the year. This
was also true of the wintering area between the Tyone River and Goose
Creek to which many moose migrated considerable distances. Number 8031
remained in this area throughout the 13 months of this study.
55
VI
0'\
Table 3. Number of observations of radio-eollared moose irt.vegetation types along the Susitna River between
October 1976 and December 1977. Devils Canyon Project, 1978.
Collar Total Open Medium Dense Spruce/ Alpine Riparian
Number Sightings Spruce* Spruce Spruce Hardwood** Tundra Alder Willow Willow Open
8583 10 4 2 1 3
8584 9 5 2 1 1
8586 7 3 4
8589 1 1
8580 2 1 1
8038 13 5 4 1 1 1 1
8573 10 6 1 1 1 1
8576 12 3 8 '1
8022 8 1 2 3 1 1
8588 9 2 3 1 1 2
8040 10 1 6 1 2
8578 12 6 1 1 2 1 1
8579 9 1 1 2 1 2 1 1
8031 11 1 7 2 1
8035 12 3 3 1 1 1 3
8018 11 3 2 1 2 2 1
8030 11 2 3 6
8575 15 3 3 7 1 1
172 43 51 26 7 7 16 11 10 1
Percent
of Total 100.0 25.0 29.7 15.1 4.1 4.1 9.3 6.4 5.8 .6
*Spruce categories include both white spruce (Piaea gZauaa) and black spruce (Piaea mariana).
**Hardwoods in this category include aspen (Populus tremuloides) and birch (Betula papyrifera).
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Edwards and Ritcey (1956) noted that increasing snow depths above
timberline triggered moose migrations out of the high country to their
wintering areas in the lowlands. Their observations have been supported
in Alaska by Rausch (1958) and LeResche (1974), both of whom concluded
that the fall migration in Interior Alaska is closely related to snow
conditions. Snow depths along the Susitna River during the winter of
1976-77 were below normal until late March. They appeared to be greater
along the eastern portion of the study area than west of Jay Creek.
Shortly after accumulated snow reached its maximum depths, most collared
moose east of Jay Creek either migrated short distances where a considerable
drop in elevation was possible, or made long treks to their wintering
areas, gradually moving to lower elevations. Except for #80, those west
of Jay Creek showed no tendency to migrate at all. Radio-collared moose
in this area may be representative of a sedentary population, but it is
recognized that data collections over a 13-month period which includes
subnormal snow depths are inadequate to accurately assess the migratory
nature of moose along this stretch of the Susitna River. If data from
this small sample are representative of the moose population currently
inhabiting this stretch of the Susitna River, construction of the Devils
Canyon dam would have a highly detrimental effect on the population as
the dam would inundate a major portion of the winter habitat presently
available. Destruction of this winter range would substantially reduce
the carrying capa~ity of a major portion of the Devil Creek drainages •
Some of the possible migratory routes represented by data accumulated
thus far are illustrated in Figures 3-9. The relative significance of each
of these is unknown at this time, although it is apparent that a substantial
number of moose migrate to and utilize the area near the mouth of the
Tyone and the Oshetna Rivers for winter range. Coady (1974) noted that
the depth, density and hardness of snow are appreciably lower in coniferous
and deciduous tree communities making them more favorable to moose under
stress from severe winter snow conditions. The lower, spruce-covered
reaches of the Watana Creek Valley are probably critical for the majority
of moose inhabiting this area during a severe winter. A major portion
of this area would be inundated by construction of the Watana dam.
Additional observations of moose during normal or severe winter conditions
are necessary to determine the importance of this area as winter range.
If this area is used as winter range during more severe winters which
would normally occur in this area, construction of the Watana Dam would
substantially reduce the carrying capacity of this portion of the study
area.
Present information indicates moose depend heavily upon the river
bottoms and adjacent areas for winter habitat both above and below the
Watana and Devils Canyon damsites. Lack of ade.quate wintering areas in
the lower Susitna Valley has been a major limiting factor to moose
population growth there in the past (Chatelain 1951). Most existing
winter range is along the major rivers where periodic flooding has
caused rechanneling of the main stream, allowing riparian willow to
colonize the dry stream beds. Regulating the flow of water from the dam
at Devils Canyon could have a highly detrimental effect on growth of
riparian vegetation downstream to the mouth of the Susitna. It is
possible that maintaining a steady flow of 8,000 to 10,000 cu. ft./sec •
57
from the· Devils Canyon dam would effectively prevent the floodingactivity
that presently occurs periodically. This could create a short-term
abundance of winter·range along the riverbanks that might last 30 or
mor:e years. The net long-term effect_could well be a negative one,
however' as it is suspected that the' present natural flooding activity
of the· Susitna River produces favorabte conditions for browse production.
Without annual floods, these riparian areas could become mature stands·
of hardwoods· after 25 or 30 years and provide. little. or no-winter
forage. Research. on riparian vegetation habitat types and associated
moose usage downstream of dam construction is essential to determine
potential'impacts on moose populations.
CONCtUSIONS
Th'e emphasis of this telemetry study focused almos·t exclusively on
the north· side of the Susitna River· upstream from the Devils-Cany•on dam
site. Information on migratory routes and· annual movement patterns -was
limited by the small sample of radio-collared moose· (18), many of which
were observed for less than nine· months. Moose which were collared in
October 1976 were monitored through thewinter of 1976-77 which· was
considered to be mild. Information pertinent to identifying critical
wintering areas is most appropriately obtained during winters of high· to
severe snow depths because moose tend· to congregate in greater d·ensities
on·the most vital ranges as snow depths increase. Acquisition.of moose
movement. information downstream and on the south side of the Susitna
River is essential to evaluation of the· full effects of the proposed·
hydroelectric project. Downstream effects on moose wouldbe expected to
be significant since vege·tation composition would be altered substantially
as a result of regulated water flow.
Annual mooseharvests within the immediate drainages along the
upstream portion of the Sustina River have averaged 146 moose since 1974
(ADF&G, unpublished data). Approximately 475-500 sportsmen participate
in moose hunts in this area each fall (ob. cit.). How significantly dam
construction might reduce or increase· this level of activity is difficult
to project with the limited data available. Construction of an access
road to the Watana site would substantially increase hunter pressure in
the area, creating a corresponding increase in total man days spent
hunting. In the long run, however, the-quality of the hunting experience
would probably decline, along with the rate of hunter success. Dam·
construction and maintenance schedules are projected on a basis of a dani
life of 100· years. If impacts of the• project reduced local moose pop-
ulations by 50 percent this would amount to a corresponding loss of
harvest of 7,300 moose during the life of the dam.
Construction of the Devils Canyon dam would flood a 45 km portion
of the Susitna River having a surface area of 7,500 acres (USF&WS,
1975). The riverbanks along this portion of the river are generally
steep and provide marginal habitat for. moose. The low density of moose
tracks in this area throughout winter 1977-78 indicates that little
utilization occurs during winters of moderate snowfall. Since water
levels in the Devils Canyon reservoir are expected to remain fa.irly
constant.,. low mortality rates associated with ice shelving. and steep mud
banks would be expected.
58
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Construction of the Watana dam would result in inundation of 43,000
acres along Watana Creek and the Susitna River. Approximately 35,000
acres sustain moderate to heavy utilization by moose during an average
winter (USF&WS 1975). Much of it supports moderate moose densities
during the spring and summer seasons as well. The preliminary movement
data gathered thus far from radio-collared moose indicate that moose
from several surrounding areas of the Susitna Basin migrate across or
utilize this portion of the river during some period of the year. The
Alaska Department of Fish and Game recorded observations of 2,037 moose
during. their fall 1977 sex and age composition counts of these areas
(ADF&G, unpublished data). LeResche and Rausch (1974) concluded that an
observer generally sees between 43 to 68 percent of the moose in an area
during an aerial census. Using 50 percent to extrapolate roughly, the
resident population utilizing this portion of the basin probably is
between 4,000 and 5,000 moose. Random stratified counts weighted with
an accurate sightability index are needed to accurately assess numbers
of moose in this area.
Effects of the construction oflthe Watana dam on these moose populations
could be substantial. The resident
1
nonmigratory segment of the population
could be eliminated. The immediate\loss of a major portion of the
winter range along Watana Creek and parts of the Susitna River to flooding
would have the effect of reducing the carrying capacity of the habitat
at higher elevations used only during the warm seasons and mild winters.
The Watana Reservoir would be 87 km long and may during some seasons
prove to be an effective barrier to migrations. The resulting disruption
of movements to traditional breeding grounds may adversely impact productivity.
Increased mortality of neonates during post calving movements might
occur. Since water levels are expected to fluctuate as much as 78 m,
ice shelving could become a significant cause of mortality as well.
Calving is a common occurrence in these portions of the study area. The
loss of calving habitat notwithstanding, fluctuating water levels would
convert the presently timbered slopes from the Watana dam site to the
Oshetna River to enormous mud banks. Calf mortality from falling down
these banks or getting stuck in the mud could become a common occurrence.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Collection of baseline biological data and completion of resource
assessment in the area affected by the proposed hydroelectric project in
far greater depth than this study are essential prerequisites to understanding
the possible impacts of the proposed action. Identification of moose
populations, movement patterns, and habitat use downstream and on the
south side of the Susitna River is essential to predict both negative
and beneficial effects of the proposed project. Habitat studies should
be conducted concurrently to determine seasonal use and degree of
dependency of populations on habitat to be impacted by the project.
Alternate areas suitable for habitat rehabilitation to mitigate range
losses should be investigated as well as suitable methods for habitat
enhancement.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Several biologists with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game gave
59
freely of their time and expertise to assist us during the initial phase
of this study. Drs. A. Franzmann and T. Bailey from the Moose Research
Center participated in the collaring operation, and area biologists
s. Eide and T. Spraker provided their assistance during several phases
of the study. Technician Tom Balland helped during all phases of field
'\mrk •. · A.< Gunning constructed figures for this manuscript. We wish to
expres·s our gratitude to the air taxi operators (Ken Holland, Rick Halford,
Ken Bunch, Al Lee and Vern Loftstead) for their many safe hours of
flying and their willingness to modify their aircraft to accommodate our
telemetry equipment. We wish to give special thanks to all those whose
comments and criticisms helped in the preparation of this manuscript.
60
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LITERATURE CITED
Alaska District, Army Corps of Engineers. 1975. Hydroelectric power
and related purposes for the upper Susitna River Basin. Interim
Feasibility Rept., 125 p.
Alaska District, Army Corps of Engineers. 1977. Plan of study for
Susitna hydropower, feasibility analysis. Prepared for the State
of Alaska. 297 p.
Ballard, W.B. and K.P. Taylor (In prep). Upper Susitna River moose
population study. Alaska Dept. Fish and Game P-R Proj. Rept. W-17-
10, Job IB-1.20.
Chatelain, E.F. 1951. Winter range problems of moose in the Susitna
Valley. Proc. Alaskan Sci. Conf., 2:343-347.
Coady, J.W. 1974. Influence of snow on the behavior of moose. Naturaliste
Can., 101:417-436.
Edwards, R.Y. and R.W. Ritcey. 1956. The migrations of a moose herd.
J. Mammal. 37(4):486-494.
Franzmann, A.W., A. Flynn and P.D. Arneson.
mineral elements in Alaskan moose hair.
39(2):374-378.
1975. Levels of some
J. Wildl. Mgmt.
Franzmann, A.W., P.D. Arneson, R.E. LeResche and J.L. Davis. 1974.
Developing and testing new techniques for moose management. Alaska
Dept. Fish and Game P-R Proj. Final Rept., W-17-2, W-17-3, W-17-4,
W-17-5 and w-"!7-6. 54 p. (multilith).
Franzmann, A.W. and P.D. Arneson. 1973. Moose Research Center studies.
Alaska Dept. Fish and Game P-R Proj. Rept., W-17-5. 60 p.
(multilith).
Goddard, J. 1970. Movements of moose in a heavily hunted area of
Ontario. J. Wildl. Mgmt. 34(2):439-445.
Gravel, M. 1977. Tapping Susitna's power. Sen. Mike Gravel Reports to
Alaskans. July Newsletter. 4 p.
Greer, K.R. and W.W. Hawkins. 1967. Determining pregnancy in elk by
rectal palpation. J. Wildl. Mgmt., 31:145-149.
Houston, D.B. 1968. The Shiras moose in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Grand
Teton Nat. Hist. Assoc. Tech. Bull. No. 1. 110 p.
LeResche, R.E. 1972. Migrations and population mixing of moose on the
Kenai Peninsula Alaska. 8th N. Am. Moose Conf. Works., Thunder
Bay Ontario. Ont. Minist. Nat. Res., Toronto. 185-207 p.
LeResche, R.E.
on Alaska.
1974. Moose migrations in North America with emphasis
Naturaliste Can. 101:393-415.
61
LeResche, R. E. and R. A. Rausch. 1974. Accuracy and precision of
aerial moose censusing. J .• Wild!. Mgmt. 38(2) :175-182.
. ·. .
. ~e(:;~'; L. D •. 19741: Cu:rrent Techniq~es in the study of elusive .wilderness
carnivores. Prot.' XI Intermit. Congress of Game Bio., pp. 315-322.
Peterson, R. L. 1955. North American moose. Univ. Toronto Press,
280 p.
Rausch, R. A. 1958. Moose management studies. Fed. Aid. Wildl. Restor.
Job Completion Rept. Vol 12, Proj. W-3-R-12. Alaska Game Comm.
Juneau, 138 p.
Sargent, D. E. and D. H. Pimlott.
from sectioned incisor teeth.
1959. Age determination in moose
J. Wildl. Mgmt. 23(3):315-321.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1975. Southcentral railbelt area upper
Susitna River Basin hydroelectric project two dam plan. U.S. Dept.
Interior, Anchorage, AK. 25 p.
ARLIS
Alaska Resources
Library & Information Services
Anchorage, Alaska 62