HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPA4121Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Division of Wildlife Conservation
Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration ] Research Progress, Report
LOWER SUSITNA VALLEY
MOOSE POPULATION
IDENTITY AND MOVEMENT STUDY
/'
I
',....
l.IS
by"I
,I Ronald D. ModatTeri
QL Project W-23-2
737 Study 1.38
.U512 April 1990
M64
1988-89
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Division of Wildlife Conservation
April 1990
Lower Susitna Valley
Moose Population Identity
and Movement Study
Ronald D. Modafferi
Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration
Research Progress Report
Grant W-23-2
Study 1.38
This is a progress report on continuing research. Information may be refined at a later date.
If using information from this report, please credit author(s) and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
STATE OF ALASKA
Steve Cowper,Governor
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Don W.Collinsworth,Commissioner
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
W. Lewis Pamplin,Jr.,Director
W.Bruce Dinneford,Acting Planning Chief
Persons intending to cite this material should obtain prior permis-
sion from the author(s)and/or the Alaska Department of Fish and
Game.Because most reports deal with preliminary results of conti-
nuing studies,conclusions are tentative and should be identified as
such. Due credit will be appreciated.
Additional copies of this report,or reports on other species covered
in this series may be obtained from:
Publications Technician
ADF&G,Wildlife Conservation
P.O.Box 3-2000
Juneau.AK 99802
(907) 465-4190
The Alaska Department of Fish &Game operates all of its public pro-
grams and activities freefrom discrimination on the basis of race,color,
national origin,age, or handicap.Because the department receives
federal funding,any person who believes he or she has been
discriminated against should write to: O.E.O., U.S.Department of the
Interior,Washington,D.C. 20240.
State:
PROGRESS REPORT (RESEARCH)
Alaska
Project No.:W-23-2 Project Title:wildlife Research
and Management
,.Job No.:IB-1.38 Job Title:Lower Susitna Valley
Moose Population
Identity and Movement
Study
..
Period Covered:1 July 1988 - 30 June 1989
SUMMARY
Moose-related aerial-survey,marking,and radio-relocating
activities were conducted in the lower Susitna valley in
Southcentral Alaska from October 1985 to May 1989.The survey
and relocation data gathered (April 1980 to May 1986)during
previous moose studies in lowland riparian areas of the Susitna
River Valley were incorporated into the database.Site specific
information on herd size,sex/age composition,and distribution
of moose were compiled from moose censuses and surveys conducted
in the study area.Pertinent data from moose killed by
collisions with rains and highway vehicles were collected.The
computerized database of moose radio-relocations was updated,
edi ted,and reorganized.This report primarily contains data,
findings,and discussions related to 28 periodic aerial moose
surveys conducted in 7 alpine habitat areas during 4 winters
(1985-89)as well as snowpack depth measurements for several
locations in the lower Susitna Valley.Biological and management
implications of these findings are discussed.
Periodic aerial surveys conducted during each fall and winter
from 1985 through 1989 monitored the annual increase,peak,and
decrease of moose using the 7 subareas of alpine habitat in the
western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains.Few moose were
observed in alpine habitats in early October;thereafter,their
numbers increased,peaking between 28 October and 3 December.
For the 3 areas studied during all surveys 99%,100%,97%,and
80%of the peak numbers of moose were observed on 18,26,17,and
15 November 1985 through 1988,respectively.For all subareas,
annual maxima of 919,1,405, 1,010,and 1,252 moose were observed
between October 1985 and March 1989,respectively.During 1986
to 1988,moose numbers decreased dramatically during December;by
January relatively few remained in the survey areas.In 1985
when snowpacks were less than half as deep as those from 1986 to
1988,moose numbers decreased gradually;many moose remained in
alpine habitats through winter.During all winters,numbers of
moose in the Sunshine survey area continued to increase or
remained relatively stable after the areawide peak.
i
Differences in annual peak numbers were associated with snowpack
depth and/or variation in moose mortality the previous fall and
winter.Disappearance of moose from alpine habitats correlated
with increasing snowpack depth measured at lower elevations
nearby.Fewest moose were observed in alpine areas during the
winter with least snow;1985-86.Low moose numbers in 1985-86
were also associated with high levels of weather-related winter
mortality,mortality from collisions with trains and highway
vehicles,and hunting mortality from the preceeding fall and
winter.Seasonal trends in moose numbers were not similar for
all areas.Movement patterns for a radio-marked individuals
provided evidence that area differences in moose migratory
behavior and habitat use caused seasonal trends in moose numbers
to vary between areas.
Shallow snowpacks and availability of early successional browse
may make the Matanuska Valley one of the most favorable moose
winter ranges in the lower Susitna Valley.Deep snowpacks in
western and northern Subunit 16A make those areas relatively
undesirable moose winter range and probably encourage moose 'to
migrate easterly toward Subunits 14A and 14B.Moose from
southern Subunit 14B probably migrate to Subunit 14A during the
winter because of the typically deeper snowpacks in Subunits 16A
and 14B.Moose may move to higher elevations (e.g.,sunshine)
during the winter because of the relatively shallow snowpack in
some windblown alpine habitats.
Because snowfall and snowpack affected moose migratory behavior
and numbers of moose in alpine habitats,they can influence
results of moose surveys.In 1988 following a substantial early
snowfall,moose numbers in alpine areas had decreased 54%by 5
December.Aerial surveys conducted on 18,26,17,and 15
November 1985 to 1988 included 99%,100%,97%,and 80%of annual
peak numbers of moose,respectively.This indicates that
observability of moose on fall censuses or composition surveys
can be maximized and fall-winter moose "subpopulation mixing"
minimized by conducting surveys before early December.Because
of moose migratory movements,population data obtained from
December surveys may not be comparable between years and should
be used cautiously when making jUdgements about "resident"fall
posthunting populations.
Alpine habitats provide moose with forage during an important
prewinter time period.Moose use of alpine habitats during the
fall and early winter correlates with a period of high forage
intake and positive energy balance.Post rut foraging prepare
moose nutritionally for winter and is an important factor
affecting overwinter survival and carrying capacity of an area.
Postrut habitats of moose should be protected from alteration.
Winter recreation and other human activities that might interfere
with foraging patterns of moose in alpine postrut areas should be
discouraged.
ii
..
Kev Words:Moose,Alces alces gigas,susitna Valley,
radiotelemetry,habitat,movements,aerial survey,population
identity,Southcentral Alaska.
iii
CONTENTS
Summ.ary.. . . . . ...1
13Clc:Jc~~()tlIlci •••••••••• •••••1
Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Pr imary ...3
Pe~Lphera ;• • ••••••••••.••••4
study Area . . . . ...4
Methods.• . . . . . . . . .... . 5
Restllts ClIlci DisC:tlssi()Il • ••••••• • . • 7
M()()se p()struttiIl~Use ()f Alpille HClbitCltS.•7
FClII A~~ivClI ill Alpille HClbitClts • • • • • • • •••7
WiIlte~DepCl~ttl~e f~()m Alpille HClbitClts • • • • • • • • • 8
IIlfltleIlc:e ()f SIl()WPClC:Jc Depth ()Il Alpille HClbitClt Use • 8
AIlIltlClI VCl~iClti()Il ill Use ()f Alpille HClbitCltS.•• 9
A~eCl Diffe~eIlc:es ill SeClS()IlClI Use PCltte~IlS • • • • • • • 9
SIl()WPClC:Jc Depth ClIlci M()()se WiIlte~RClIl~e ••••.10
13i()I()~iC:ClI ImpliC:Clti()IlS •••••••••••••••••••10
MClIlCl~emeIlt ImpliC:Clti()IlS.• • • • • • • • ••••12
He~ci c()mp()siti()Il T~eIlci Stl~eys•••••••••••••12
A~eCl M()()se CeIlStlSeS • •••••••••••••12
p()st~tlttiIl~HClbi tClt • •••••••••••13
Ac:JcIl()wleci~emeIlts •••••••• • ••.14
Lite~Clttl~e citeci ••••••••••••••••14
Figures.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...17
Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..31
AppeIlciix A.CClpttl~e ciCltCl ClIlci fClte ~Clcii()-mCl~Jceci m()()se ill
StlbCl~eClS ()f the l()we~StlSitIlCl VCllley,S()tlthc:eIlt~ClI
Al ClSJccl,1980-89 ••••••••••••••••••••••34
AppeIlciix 13.AlexClIlcie~C~eeJc ClIlci SJcweIltIlCl Rive~M()()se
P()ptlIClti()Il lcielltity ClIlci M()VemeIlt Stlbsttlciy •••••••••38
13ACKGROUND
p~i()~t()stClteh()()ci (i.e.,1959),the StlSitIlCl Rive~VCllley WclS
~ClIlJceci clS the m()st p~()citlc:tive m()()se (Alc:es Cllc:es)hClbitClt ill the
te~~it()ry (ChCltelCliIl 1951).T()ciClY,the iIlIlClte p()teIltiClI ()f this
Cl~eCl clS hClbitClt f()~m()()se is p~()bClbly tlIlStl~pClSSeci th~()tl~h()tlt the
stClte.
P~eselltly,the l()we~StlSitIlCl VCllley is the f()C:ClI P()iIlt ()f m()~e
cievel()pmellt thClIl ClIly ()the~~e~i()Il ill the stClte.P~()p()seci ClIlci
p~()~~eSSiIl~p~()jec:ts iIlV()lviIl~~~Clill ClIlci C:~()P Cl~~ic:tllttl~e,ciCli~y
ClIlci ~~ClziIl~livest()c:Jc,c:()mme~c:iClI f()~est~y ClIlci 1()~~iIl~,pe~S()IlClI
tlse c:tlttiIl~()f fi~ew()()ci,miIle~ClI ClIlci C:()ClI miIliIl~,IClIlci ciisp()sClIs,
~ClIl~es ClIlci ~eftl~es,htlmClIl ~ec:~eClti()Il,htlmClIl settlemeIlt,tl~bClIl
eXpClIlSi()Il,ftl~the~cievel()pmellt ()f the hi~hwClY system,ClIlci
iIlc:~eClseci ~Clil~()Clci t~Clffic:ill the ~e~i()Il mClY ~~eCltly det~Clc:t f~()m
the p()teIltiClI ()f the Cl~eCl t()StlPP()~t m()()se.
Alth()tl~h cievel()pmellt ClIlci its Clss()c:iClteci Clc:tivities mClY telld t()
~edtlc:e the m()()se P()ptlIClti()Il ill the StlSitIlCl VCllley,~es()tl~c:e tlse~s
hClve ciemClIlcieci iIlc:~eClseci ClII()C:Clti()IlS t()sCltisfy C:()Ilstlmptive ClIlci
I
nonconsumptive uses.Accordingly,this conflict has created a
tremendous need by local,state,and federal land and resource
management agencies for timely and accurate knowledge about moose
populations in Subunits 14A,14B,16A,16B,and 13E.These
informational needs intensify in response to (1)increased
pressures to develop additional lands,(2)increased numbers of
users and types of resource use,and (3)a more complex system
for allocating resources to potential users.
The Wildlife Conservation Division lacks the necessary
information about moose popUlations in the lower Susitna Valley
to accurately assess the ultimate impacts from these increasing
resource demands.The Division is therefore unable to dispute or
condone specific demands or provide recommendations to regulate
or minimize negative impacts on moose popUlations or habitat.
Additionally,the Division must be knowledgeable about moose
sUbpopulation behavior in order to mitigate unavoidable negative
impacts to moose subpopulations or habitat.
Because major decisions on land use and resource allocation in
the lower Susitna Valley are being made,the Division should
consolidate the existing database for the moose popUlations there
and initiate studies to augment that database so that activities
impacting moose and their habitat may be promptly recognized,
evaluated,and minimized and/or mitigated.Habitats and
environmental conditions of the lower susitna Valley vary
greatly.Because many resource use conflicts require site-
specific knowledge,numerous interrelated substudies must be
conducted to adequately understand movement patterns and
identities of major moose sUbpopulations throughout the area.
Initial substudies will be conducted in areas where immediate
conflicts exist.
When I evaluated resource conflicts for the entire lower Susitna
Valley,it was apparent that research efforts should begin in
Subunits 14A and 14B in the western foothills of the Talkeetna
Mountains for the following reasons:(1)this area possesses the
largest,densest postrutting aggregation of moose in the region
and,perhaps,the state;(2)it is the nucleus of development
activities and resource use;(3)it provides recreations and
resources to over half of Alaska's human popUlation;(4)it has
unique problems involving railroad and highway systems;and (5)
recent information obtained from Susitna River hydroelectric
environmental studies and a habitat suitability assessment
project has indicated a lack of knowledge about moose in the
area.
Historical information relating to moose populations in the
Susitna Valley is limited to (1)harvest statistics (ADF&G
files),(2)inconsistently conducted sex-age composition surveys
(ADF&G files);(3)inconsistently collected data for train-and
2
·.
·.
·.
vehicle-killed moose (ADF&G files),(4)an outdated population
movement study based on resightings of "visually collared"moose
(ADF&G files),(5)studies on railroad mortality and productivity
of the railbelt subpopulation (Rausch 1958 and 1959),(6)a
sporadically monitored radiotelemetry population identity study
in the Dutch and Peters Hills (Didrickson and Taylor 1978),(7)
an incomplete study of moose-snowfall relationships in the
Susitna Valley,and (8)a study of extensive moose mortality in a
severe winter (1970-71)for which there is no final report.
Recent studies designed to assess the impact of a proposed
hydroelectric project on moose have provided substantial amounts
of data on populations in the areas adjacent to the susitna River
and downstream from Devil Canyon (Arneson 1981;Modafferi 1982,
1983,1984).Circumstantial evidence and cursory examination of
these studies suggest that traditional sex-age composition counts
conducted in widely spaced alpine areas of Subunits 14A and 14B
were biased and excluded samples from large segments of hunted
moose sUbpopulations.These data also suggest that moose killed
during late-winter hunting seasons in Subunit 14B originated in
Subunit 16A and those killed during hunting seasons in Subunit
16A were included in composition surveys for Subunits 14A and
14B.
I believe that moose subpopulations in Subunit 16A remain largely
unsurveyed because they occur in forested habitats and can be
surveyed only during the winter when they occur in riparian
habitats common to both Subunits 14B and 16A.Traditional
composition surveys that have remained relatively insensitive to
large annual changes in moose mortality rates indicate
assumptions about movements and identities of moose
sUbpopulations in Subunits 14A and 14B (i.e.,western foothills
of the Talkeetna Mountains)are incorrect.
A recent joint study conducted by Divisions of wildlife
Conservation and Habitat (ADF&G files)and designed to evaluate
methods for assessing moose population status and habitat
suitability was begun to identify important moose wintering areas
and document moose-snowfall relationships in a large portion of
the lower Susitna River Valley.Previous progress reports
(Modafferi 1987,1988g,and 1988£)relating to lower Susitna
Valley moose population identity and movement studies have been
published.
OBJECTIVES
Primary
To identify and delineate major moose sUbpopulations in the lower
Susinta River Valley.
To more precisely delineate annual movement patterns and
location,timing,and duration of use of seasonal habitats.
3
To assess effects of seasonal timing on results of annual fall,
sex-age composition trend surveys.
Peripheral
To identify habitats and land areas that are important for
maintaining the integrity of moose subpopulations in the lower
Susitna Valley.
To locate winter range and calving areas used by lower Susitna
Valley moose subpopulations.
To identify moose sUbpopulations that sustain "accidental"
mortality on highway and railroad right-of-ways and mortality
during open hunting seasons.
To determine moose natality rates and timing of calf and adult
mortality.
STUDY AREA
The study area is located in the lower Susitna val~ey in
Southcentral Alaska (Fig.1).The roughly 50,000-km area
bordered on the north and west by the Alaska Mountain Range,on
the east by the Talkeetna Mountains,and on the south by Cook
Inlet encompasses all watersheds of the Susitna River downstream
from Devil Canyon and includes all or portions of Subunits 14A,
14B,16A,16B,and 13E (Fig.2).Monthly mean temperatures vary
from about 16 C in July to -13 C in January;maximum and minimum
temperatures of 25 C and -35 C,respectively,are not uncommon.
Total annual precipation varies from about 40 cm in the southern
to over 85 cm in the northern and western portions of the area.
Maximum depth of snow on the ground during the winter can vary
from less than 20 cm in the southern to over 200 cm in the
northern and western portions.Climatic conditions generally
become more inclement away from the maritime influence of Cook
Inlet.Elevations within the area range from sea level to rugged
mountain peaks well above the 1200-m level.Vegetation in the
area is diverse,typically varing with elevation:wet coastal
tundra and marsh,open low-growing spruce forest,closed spruce
hardwood forest,treeless bog,shruby thicket,and alpine tundra
(Viereck and Little 1972).Dominant habitat and canopy types in
the area are characterized as follows:(1)floodplains dominated
by willow (Salix app , )and poplars (Populus sppv ) ,(2)lowlands
dominated by a mixture of wet bogs and closed or open-mixed
paper birch (Betula papyrifera)/white spruce (Picea glauca)/aspen
(Populus tremuloides)forests,(3)midelevation dominated by
mixed or pure stands of aspen/paper birch/white spruce,(4)
higher elevation dominated by alder (Alnus spp.),willow,and
birch shrub thickets or grasslands (Calamagrostis spp.,and (5)
alpine tundra dominated by sedge (Carex spp.,ericaceous shrubs,
prostrate willows,and dwarf herbs.Alpine winter moose surveys
4
..
.-
".
were conducted above timberline in the higher elevation and
alpine tundra habitats,roughly between elevations of 600 m and
1200 m.
METHODS
Individual moose were captured and marked with ear tags and
radio-transmitting neck collars.Each ear tag featured a
discrete numeral,and each neck collar featured a discrete radio-
transmitted frequency and a highly visible number.
Moose were typically immobilized with 4-6 mg carfentanil
(Wildnil,Wildlife Laboratories,Ft.collins,Co.)dissolved in
2-3 cc H20 and administered with Palmer Cap-Chur equipment by
personnel aboard a hovering Bell 206B or Hughes 500D helicopter.
While immobilized,moose were marked with ear tags and neck
collars and aged by visual inspection of wear on incisor teeth.
Antler size and conformation were considered when assessing age
of males.Moose were assigned to the following age categories:
calves,yearlings,2-to 5-year-olds,6-to 12-year-olds,and
>12-year-olds.Sex of marked moose and their association with
young of the year were noted.Immobilized moose were revived
with an intramuscular injection of 90 mg naloxone hydrochloride
(Naloxone,Wildlife Laboratories,Ft.Collins,co , )per mg of
carfentanil administered.
Moose were surveyed,captured,and marked at different times and
locations within the study area (Figs.3 and 4,Appendix A).
Aerial moose surveys were conducted periodically each winter
between October 1985 and April 1989 to determine timing,
magnitude,and duration of moose use of alpine habitats in the
western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains.
Surveys were initiated and periodically conducted through winter
as long as weather permitted and snowcover was sufficient to
observe moose.Numbers of antlered yearlings,antlered adults,
nonantlered adults,and calves were counted on each survey.
Survey data were totaled for 7 discrete alpine subareas separated
by lower-elevation river drainages.
Forty-four moose were captured and marked in the Talkeetna
Mountain alpine habitat survey areas between 23 December 1985 and
4 February 1986.Marking procedures were initiated after 18
November 1985,when aerial surveys indicated peak numbers of
moose were present in alpine habitats (Modafferi 1987).
Distribution of sampling effort between subareas roughly
paralleled moose distribution observed during aerial surveys.On
14 December 1987 and 22 December 1988,6 and 2 moose,
respectively ,were captured and radio-marked to replace those
that had shed transmitting collars or died.
On 28 January 1987,
northern portion of
7 moose were captured and marked in the
lowland forest habitat in the Kashwitna
5
corridor.Sampling effort roughly paralleled moose distribution
observed on a 7 January 1987 survey conducted between Willow
Creek and the Kashwitna River (Modafferi 1988!!).This area
roughly corresponds to the Kashwitna corridor forest,where the
DNR,Division of Forestry staff initiated an active forest
management program in 1988 by providing access and conducting·
sales to make timber available for commercial harvest.On 9
February 1989,5 moose were captured and marked near timber sale
sites in the southern portion of the Kashwitna corridor.
During February and March 1988,6 moose were captured and marked
in the Coal Creek area,where personal-use cutting of firewood
had been permitted by the Division of Forestry.Captured moose
frequented this area to feed on buds,catkins,and twigs that had
been trimmed off birch trees cut for firewood.
Moose captured and radio-marked during previous studies along the
Susitna River floodplain (Arneson 1980;Modafferi 1982, 1983,
1984)ranged wi thin the study area.Information gathered from
these moose was incorporated into the database.Twenty-one of
these moose with operational radio transmitters were radio-
relocated during this reporting period.
Survey flights in Cessna 180 or 185 and Piper PA-18 aircraft
equipped with 2-element "H"or 3 element Yagi antennas (Telonics,
Mesa,Az.)were conducted periodically to relocate radio-marked
moose.Relocation points (audio-visual or audio)were noted on
USGS topographic maps (1:63,360)and later transferred to
translucent overlays of those maps for computer digitization and
geoprocessing.Relocation surveys,conducted at about 2-to 4-
week intervals,provided about 192,49,34,18,and 6 relocations
through 8 June 1989 for moose marked in the Susitna River,
Talkeetna Mountain,northern Kashwitna corridor,southern
Kashwitna corridor,and Coal Creek areas,respectively.
During the reporting period,transmitters on some moose marked
along the Susitna River have exhibited weak,infrequent,and/or
no signals.These transmitters are presumed to be weakening and
expiring from battery failure.Parallel moose population
identity and movement studies were initiated in other areas of
the lower Susitna River Valley in March 1987 and February 1988
(Appendix B).
Additional information on herd size,composition,and
distribution of moose in the lower Susitna River valley was
obtained from stratified random moose censuses (Gasaway et ale
1986)conducted from 5 to 8 December 1987 in Subunits 14B and
from 19 to 23 November 1988 in Subunit 14A.Other information on
herd composition,distribution,and density was obtained from
surveys related to forest management in the Susitna Regional
Forest in Subunit 16A,the Kashwitna corridor in Subunit 14B,and
the Matanuska Valley Moose Range and ski resort development in
the Hatcher Pass area of Subunit 14A.
6
.,
.-
-------------------------------------------~-~--~-
Data on moose killed by collisions with trains and highway
vehicles were collected to evaluate the impact on moose
populations in the lower Susitna River Valley.The Alaska
Railroad and Department of Public Safety recorded and provided
the ADF&G with data on locations and dates for all moose killed
in their respective rights-of-way.Beginning in the fall of
1987,recipients of salvaged moose were required to provide the
lower jaw as well as information on the sex,method,date,and
lcoation of kill to the ADF&G.
To assess moose winter mortality in Subunit 16A,floodplains of
Moose and Kroto Creeks were surveyed for moose carcasses on 18
March 1987,20 April 1988,and 3 April 1989.Similar surveys
were conducted 5 March 1984 and periodically between 29 November
1984 and 16 April 1985 during previous studies (Modafferi 1988~).
On 11 January 1988,I visited areas where moose concentrated in
forested habitats in the Kashwi tna corridor to determine food
sources moose utilized.Snowpack depth data for wasilla,willow,
Talkeetna,Skwentna,and Chulitna River Lodge were obtained from
Alaska Climatological Data Reports published by the U.S.
Department of Commerce,NOAA,National Environmental Satellite,
Data,and Information Sevice,National Climate Data Center,
Asheville,North Carolina.Tabular data for daily measurements
of depth of snow on the ground were condensed to "maximum
snowpack depth"values for monthly periods equivalent to 1-10,
11-20,and 21-31 calendar days."Maximum snowpack depth"values
equalled the greatest depth of snow recorded on the ground during
each monthly period.Willow and Talkeetna snowpack depth data
were used as an index to snowpack depths in alpine survey areas.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Moose Postrutting Use of Alpine Habitats
Data from periodic surveys conducted in 7 areas during 4 winters
in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains documented
trends in moose fall-winter use of alpine habitats (Table 1,Fig.
5) .Data from Bald,Moss,and willow Mountains,which were
studied on every survey (Table 2,Fig.6),indicated that (1)few
moose occurred in alpine habitats in early October,(2)numbers
varied seasonally,(3)annual peak levels occurred within a 37-
day interval between 28 October and 3 December,(4)peak levels
varied between years,and (5)patterns of seasonal variations
differed among years (Fig.2).Seasonal and annual variation in
moose numbers were,in part,attributed to differences in
snowpack depth and mortality the preceeding fall and winter.
Fall Arrival in Alpine Habitats
Data obtained during the 2 years when early snowfall enabled
surveying suggest that few moose occurred in alpine habitats in
early October.In 1985 only 7%of the annual peak number of
7
moose were counted on October 4.By mid-October a major movement
to these areas was underway;42%of the annual peak was observed
on 17 October 1985 and 46%on 13 October 1988.Moose numbers
continue to increase until the annual peak occurs in late October
to early December.Apparently,many moose spend the rut (L.e.,
late September to early October)below timberline in forested
habitats before moving above timber in mid-October.
winter Departure From Alpine Habitats
The annual peak use of alpine habitats is brief.In most years,
the number of moose above timberline begins to decline in late
November or early December,and by late April most moose are
gone.In 1986, 1987,and 1988,the number of moose obaerved "in
alpine areas decreased by 92%, 87%,and 90%,respectively,
between late October and late November (Figs.5 and 6).In 1985
the number of moose were relatively stable between 18 November
(620 moose observed)and the 3 December peak (626 moose
observed);subsequently,numbers continued to decline gradually.
On 28 February,472 moose were observed above timberline,
representing more moose than had been observed anytime after
November for the years 1986 to 1989.On 31 March 1986,54%of
the annual peak number remained in alpine habitats.
Influence of Snowpack Depth on Alpine Habitat Use
Seasonal trends in moose numbers were correlated with winter
snowpack depths recorded at lower elevations at willow (Fig.7)
and Talkeetna (Fig.8.).Extended seasonal occurrence of moose
in alpine habitats in 1985 was associated with relatively mild
winter conditions and shallow snowpack depths.The 1985-86
snowpack depths in portions of the lower Susitna Valley were the
least recorded in the last 25 years (Clagett 1986).In IS}85
snowpack depth values (i.e.,depth of snow on ground)were
relatively stable at willow from mid-Novemeber through early
December (Fig.7);at Talkeetna they were decreasing from mid ..
November to mid-January (Fig.8).Snowpack depth values for
Talkeetna and willow only once exceeded 15 inches during that
entire winter.In contrast,during the 1986-87 and 1987-88
winters when moose numbers declined abruptly after late November,
snowpack depth values at willow and Talkeetna exceeded those for
1985 in late November and were typically 2-to 4 times greater
through February.As they did in the winter of 1985,deeper
snowpacks in 1986-88 discouraged moose from remaining in alpine
habitats after early December.Data from 1986 to 1989 also
illustrate differences in moose use of alpine habitats in
relation to snowpack depth.Mid-and late-December snowpack
depth values for 1986 were between those for 1985,1987,or 1988.
Moose numbers,peaked and began declining later in 1986 than in
1987 to 1988 but earlier than in 1985.
8
•r
..
Annual variation in Use of Alpine Habitats
Annual peaks in the number of moose for all subareas varied from
919 in 1985 to 1,405 in 1986 (Table 1).Annual peak winter
levels were recorded on 18 November in 1985,26 November in 1986,
17 November in 1987,and 28 October in 1988.Annual peaks for
the Bald,Moss,and Willow subareas that were included on all
surveys occurred in a 37-day interval;the median date was 15
November (Table 2).
Peak levels,timing of peak levels,and seasonal trends in the
number of moose in alpine habitats appeared related to snowpack
depths.The earliest annual peak and decline in numbers was
recorded in 1988,when October snowpack depths exceeded those
recorded for the previous 3 years (Figs.3 and 4).The latest
and lowest annual peak and most gradual decline in numbers
occurred in 1985,when snow pack depth values were least (Figs.3
and 4)and annual moose mortality the preceeding year had been
rated as highest (ADF&G files).The pattern for moose use of
alpine habitats documented in 1985 suggests that early snowfall
initiates movements to alpine postrutting areas,fewer moose move
to alpine areas when snowfall is light,and more moose remain in
alpine areas for a longer time in winters with light snowfall and
shallow snowpacks than in winters with heavy snowfall and deep
snowpacks (e.g.,1986-89).
Low peak levels in the number of moose in 1985 were also
associated with elevated moose mortality for the previous fall
hunting season and winter.Extremely heavy snowfall in the
winter of 1984-85 (Figs.3 and 4),particularly mid-February to
April,led to extensive moose mortality from "winter kill"
(Modafferi 1988g),resulting in 365 moose fatalities because of
collisions with vehicles and trains in Subunits 14A and 14B
(ADF&G files).In the fall of 1984 the hunting mortality of 601
moose was also rated high for Subunit 14B (ADF&G files).In
contrast,the high peak moose count in 1986-87 was preceeded by a
mild winter with little "winter kill",90%less moose mortality
in highway and railway right-of-ways (37 moose)in Subunits 14A
and 14B,and 59%less hunting mortality (249 moose)in Subunit
14B (ADF&G files).
Area Differences in Seasonal Use Patterns
Seasonal trends and timing of annual peaks for numbers of moose
observed in alpine habitats differed among areas.Bald and
Willow Mountain areas exhibited similar seasonal trends in moose
numbers that also paralleled trends for the entire study area
(Fig.1);however,the trends differed from those for Sunshine
Mountain (Figs.9-12).For 3 years (1985-87),peak levels of
moose on Sunshine Mountain occurred at least 1 month later than
those on Bald or Willow Mountains (Table 3).In 1988 peak levels
for the 3 areas were recorded at the same time;however,moose
numbers on Sunshine Mountain decreased by only 11%over the next
3 months,while moose numbers decreased by 88%and 92%on Bald
9
and willow Mountains,respectively (Table 3).While moose
numbers on Bald and willow Mountains were decreasing after
attaining peaks,moose numbers on Sunshine Mountain continued to
increase in 1985,1986,and 1987,remaining relatively stable in
1988 (Figs.9-12).
Information from a radio-marked female moose indicated that she
traditionally emigrates from the Sunshine area in May to calve
over 30 miles away in Subunit 16A and for 7 consecutive years did
not return to alpine habitat at Sunshine (Subunit 14B)earlier
then 27 September.For 6 of the 7 years studied,this individual
remained above timberline throughout the winter.If the behavior
pattern of migrating to alpine habitat in late fall and remianing
there through winter is common for moose in the Sunshine area,it
could explain why moose numbers there attain peak levels later
and decline less abruptly than at Bald and willow Mountains.
Snowpack Depth and Moose winter Range
Snowfall in the Susitna River drainage in 1984-85 was rated as
the heaviest in the last 10 years (Clagett 1985).winter
snowpack depths varied greatly between different locations in the
lower Susitna Valley (Fig.13.).Snowpack depth data for January
and February,when most moose are on winter range,indicated that
the 1984-85 snowpack depths were very shallow at Wasilla,
moderately deep at Willow and Talkeetna,deeper at Skwentna,and
extremely deep at Chulitna (Fig.13).Comparable data for the
years 1985 to 1989 indicate that shallow snowpacks are common at
Wasilla (Fig.14)and uncommon at willow and Talkeetna (Figs.3
and 4).
other factors being equal,shallow snowpack depths at Wasilla
would make that area preferable moose winter range to areas near
Willow,Talkeetna,Skwentna,or Chulitna.Winter snowpack depths
may partly explain the extensive moose winter migrations into the
Wasilla area (Subunit 14A),Willow Mountain (Subunit 14B)and the
Kroto Creek area (Subunit 16A)(Modafferi 1988g,1988£).If deep
snowpacks affect moose near Skwentna similarly,moose from that
portion of SUbunit 16B may migrate easterly to Subunit 16A,where
the snowpacks would be shallower.
BIOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS
In July and August,before the open hunting season and the rut,
it is not uncommon to observe moose above timberline in the
Talkeetna Mountains.Some hunters believe that moose movements
into timbered habitats in early September are influenced by the
opening of hunting season and the activities of hunters.It is
further speculated that over time,hunter selection of moose
above timberline has or will lead to the reduction of moose that
utilize alpine habitats accessible to hunters during the
September hunting season.Observations of marked moose in more
remote areas on the western side of the lower Susitna Valley,
10
."
,.
-s
where activities of hunters probably have little influence on
moose behavior or mortality,indicated that moose there also
occur in forested habitats immediately prior to September (pers.
comm.,J.Faro,ADF&G).These observations suggest that moose
naturally select forest habitats in late August or early
September;however,hunting mortality may negatlvety \trrel:L "'U\l~e
populations that util ize alpine habitats during the September
hunting season,or activities of hunters may delay the return of
moose to those habitats in October.Extensive and long-term
hunter selection for moose above timberline could eventually
alter moose behavior patterns phenotypically or genetically.
Moose use of alpine postrutting habitat during October through
early December correlates with a seasonal period of high forage
intake and positive energy balance (Schwartz 1987).During this
time period,moose deposit and store fat for winter.The decline
in number of moose in alpine postrutting ranges indicates a
movement of moose to winter range and parallels a seasonal
decline in forage intake (Schwartz et ale 1984).While on winter
range moose are in negative energy balance and lose condition.
During this period moose utilize fat stores deposited previously
while on summer and postrutting ranges.
Theoretically,quality of postrutting range influences the
ability of moose to deposit fat;it also affects their prewinter
nutritive condition.If the ability of moose to survive
inclement winters is related to deposited fat levels,then
postrutting range use and range quality are important components
of overwinter moose survival and carrying capacity of an area.
In Alaska,as in Sweden (Sandegren et ale 1985),timing of
snowfall and snowpack depths affect the length of time moose
spend on postrutting and winter ranges."Early"and severe
winters with deep snowpacks shorten the time period moose use
postrutting ranges and lengthen the time period they utilize
winter ranges."Late"or "mild"winters lengthen their use of
postrutting ranges and shorten their use of winter ranges.
Average winters result in a more equitable distribution of moose
use between postrutting and winter ranges.A series of early or
late winters could have a cumulative impact on winter or
postrutting ranges.
Snowfall and snowpack depths appear to influence moose migratory
patterns and locations of their winter ranges.Some moose
migrate long distances from a postrutting range to winter ranges
where snow pack depth is shallow.Some areas,regardless of
vegetative type,are undesireable as moose winter range because
of excessive snowpack depths (Modafferi 198812).Areas with
shallow snowpacks and preferred vegetative types are highly
desireable for moose winter ranges.Typically shallow snowpack
depths and the abundance of early successional browse around
abandoned homesteads and rural residential developments make the
Matanuska valley,particularly the Wasilla-Palmer area,a highly
desireable moose winter range.Some moose migrate over 20 miles
11
from the Kroto Creek area of Subunit 16A and the willow Mountain
area of Subunit 14B to winter in the Matanuska Valley of Subunit
14A (Modafferi 1988£).
Many moose migrate from alpine postrutting areas to lowland
"snow-shadow"winter ranges.Some moose migrate from lowland
areas (e.g.,Subunit 16A)to winter on windblown areas at higher
elevations near postrutting areas.other moose migrate from
midelevation alpine postrutting areas (e.g.,witna Mountain)to
winter at higher elevations near the headwaters or tributaries of
major drainages.In all cases,it appears moose seek areas with
shallower winter snowpacks.
MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
Herd Composition Trend Surveys
Many traditional fall moose sex-age composition trend survey
count areas in Alaska include extensive areas of postrutting
alpine habitat.Ideally,trend surveys should be conducted when
maximum numbers of moose are most observable.If trend survey
data are used to assess herd sex-age composition within a
subunit,then surveys should also be conducted before moose
initiate seasonal migrations and traverse subunit boundaries.
Moose are most observable when not in forest habitats.Trend
surveys should be scheduled when maximum numbers of moose are in
relatively open-plant communities;i.e.,alpine habitats.Since
a decrease in moose numbers in alpine postrutting areas indicates
the initiation of migratory behavior,scheduling surveys when
numbers peak in alpine habitats would also preclude problems
associated with migration across subunit boundaries.
Data gathered over a 4-year period in the western foothills of
the Talkeetna Mountains indicated that maximum numbers of moose
were observed in alpine habitat during the 37-day period between
28 October and 3 December.These data indicated that trend
surveys probably should not be conducted before 28 October or
after 3 December.Counts conducted only 2 days after that time
interval in 1987 and 1988 were 33%and 66%lower than the annual
maximum numbers observed.Population data obtained from surveys
conducted after December 3 may vary greatly between years and not
be representative of local posthuntting moose populations.The
data further suggest that for most years,numbers of observable
moose can be maximixed by conducting fall trend surveys and
censuses during the last 2 weeks of November.By conducting
surveys on 18,26,17,and 15 November 1985 through 1988,zero,
zero,3,and 20 percent of the maximum numbers of moose would not
have been "captured"above timberline,respectively.
Area Moose Censuses
Random stratified census techniques (Gasaway et al.1984)are
commonly used to estimate moose population size within a unit.
Because determination of sex-age composition is not a necessary
12
..
..
-,
component of censuses,they are frequently conducted in late
winter or early spring when snowcover is usually adequate and
moose are concentrated in shrub-dominated riparian or alpine
winter ranges where observability is high.
There are shortcomings to conducting moose censuses during late
winter.Data obtained in this study and others (Modafferi 1984,
1988g,1988~,1988£)indicate that lower Susitna Valley moose
commonly traverse long distances and subunit or unit boundaries
when migrating from postrutting areas to winter ranges where
subpopulations may become mixed.For example,moose from
Subunits 16A and 14B are known to winter in the Wasilla/palmer
area of Subunit 14A.Timing of snowfall and snowpack depths
affects the extent and timing of moose movements and interchange
between units and subunits.Snowfall patterns can affect the
timing and degree of population mixing and cause it to vary
throughout the winter and from year to year.For example,in the
mild 1985-86 winter moose migrations from postrutting areas were
protracted and large numbers of moose remained in alpine
postrutting areas throughout the winter;whereas,in the more
inclement 1986 through 1989 winters,large numbers of moose
abruptly migrated from postrutting areas.Data obtained during
fall and winter censuses in subunits with highly migratory moose
populations,as in the lower Susitna Valley,may not be directly
comparable wi thin or between years.Specifically,population
data obtained from winter censuses in Subunits 14A,14B,and 16A
should be used cautiously to make judgements about "resident"
fall posthunting populations.
Postrutting Habitat
Forage intake in moose increases from October through December
(Schwartz 1984).Female moose are in positive energy balance in
November and December while on postrutting ranges (Schwartz
1987).Forage on postrutting areas can influence nutritive
condition and deposit fat levels of moose that arrive on winter
ranges.High-quality forage and foraging conditions in
postrutting areas would enable moose to enter winter in good
nutritive condition and with adequate deposit of fat levels.
Female moose are in negative energy balance from January through
April while on winter range and rely in part on stored fat for
energy.postrutting range quality may be particularly important
to moose that winter in areas with deep snowpacks and poor
quality range.
Postrutting range quality could affect moose overwinter survival
and productivity.Moose postrutting ranges (e.g.,willow
Mountain critical Habitat Area)can affect moose overwinter
survival and productivity and should be protected from habitat
alteration.Moose using these areas should be protected from
human disturbance.
Increased use of ATV's and resurgence in use of snowmachines for
winter recreation will likely increase human activities in moose
13
postrutting and winter areas.Disturbance of moose in
postrutting areas may interfere with their forgaing patterns and
affect their ability to accumulate nutrient and energy reserves
for winter.wildlife managers should be cognizant of the levels
of fall and winter recreational activities on moose postrutting
and winter ranges and their potential indirect impact on moose.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I thank D.McAllister,Alaska Department of Fish and Game,for
logistic assistance,help with relocating surveys and who along
with B.Taylor,Alaska Department of Fish and Game,assisted in
the capture,handling and radio-marking of moose.K.Schneider,
Alaska Department of Fish and Game,is acknowledeged for
providing support and helpful suggestions thoughout this study,
reviewing drafts of this report,and for willingly providing
assistance in administration procedures.C.Grauvogel,Area
Management Biologist,Alaska Department of Fish and Game,is
acknowledged for "area"support,comments on all aspects of the
study,and for sharing his experiences and knowledge about moose.
B.Wiederkehr,Wiederkehr Air Inc.,Palmer,L.Rogers,
Southcenrtal Air Inc.,Kenai,and C.Soloy,Soloy Helicopters,
Wasilla,deserve special thanks for safely piloting super cub,
185 and helicopter aircraft,respectively,utilized in this
study.
LITERATURE CITED
..
...
Arneson,P.
Rep.
Game.
1981.Big game studies.Vol.II.Moose.Ann.Prog.
Susitna Hydroelectric Proj.Alaska Dep.Fish and
Juneau.64pp.
Chatelain,E.F.1951.Winter range problems of moose in the
Susitna Valley.Proc.Alaska Sci.;Conf.2:343-347.
Clagett,G.P.
Agriculture
13pp.
1985.Alasks snow surveys.U.S.Dept.of
and,Soil Conservation Service.Anchorage.
1986.
Agriculture and,
30pp.
Alasks snow surveys.U.S.Dept.of
Soil Conservation Service.Anchorage.
Didrickson,J.C.,and K.P.Taylor.1978.Lower Susitna Valley
moose population identity study.Alaska Dept.of Fish and
Game.Fed.Wildl.Rest.Proj.Final Rept.,W-17-8 and 9.
Job1.16R.Juneau.20pp.
Gasaway,W.C.,S.D.Dubois,D.J.Reed,and S.J.Harbo.1986.
Estimating moose population parameters from aerial surveys.
Inst.Arctic Biol.Papers.No.22.Univ.of Alaska.
Fairbanks.108pp.
14
Modafferi,R. D.1982.Big game studies.Vol II.Moose-
Downtream.Final Phase I Rep.Susitna Hydroelectric Proj.
Alaska Dep.Fish and Game.Juneau.114pp.
1983.Big game studies.Vol.II.Moose-Downstream.
Prog.Rep.Phase II.Susitna Hydrolelectric Proj.Alaska
Dep.Fish and Game.Juneau.114pp.
1984.Big game studies.Vol.II.Moose-Downstream.
Prog.Rep.Phase II.Susitna Hydroelectric Proj.Alaska
Dep.Fish and Game.116pp.
1987.Lower Susitna Valley moose population
identity and movement study.Alaska Dep.Fish and Game.
Fed.Aid Wildl.Rest.Prog.Rep.Proj.W-22-5.Job 1.38R.
Juneau.17pp.
1988g.Lower Susitna Valley moose population
identity and movement study.Alaska Dep.Fish and Game.
Fed.Aid Wildl.Rest.Prog.Rep.Proj.W-22-5 and W-22-6.
Job 1.38.Juneau.60pp.
identity
Fed.Aid
Juneau.
1988Q.Lower Susitna Valley moose population
and movement study.Alaska Dep.Fish and Game.
wildl.Rest.Prog.Rep.Proj.W-23-1.study 1.38.
20pp.
1988£.Big game studies.Vol.I.Moose-Downstream.
Final Rep.Susitna Hydroelectric proj.Alaska Dep.Fish and
Game.116pp.
Rausch,R. A.1958.The problem of railroad-moose conflicts in
the Susitna Valley.Alaska Dep.of Fish and Game.Fed.Aid
Wildl.Rest.Final Rep.proj.W-3-R.Job 1-4.Juneau.
116pp.
1959.Some aspects of population dynamics of the
railbelt moose populations,Alaska.M.S.Thesis.Univ.
Alaska,Fairbanks.81pp.
Sandegren,F.,R.Bergstrom,and P.Y.Sweanor.1985.Seasonal
moose migration relatd to snow in Sweden.Alces 21:39-56.
Schwartz,C.C.,W.L.Reglin,and A.W.Franzmann.1984.
Seasonal dynamics of food intake in moose.Alces 20:223-240.
1987.Schwartz,C.C.,W.L.Reglin,A.W.
Franzmann,and M.Hubert.1987.Nutritional energetics of
moose.Swedish Wildl.Res.Suppl.1:265-280.
Viereck,L.A.,and E.L.Little,Jr.1972.Alaska trees and
shrubs.U.S.Dept.Agric.Forest Servo Handbook No.410.
265pp.
15
PREPARED BY':
Ronald D.Modafferi
Wildlife Biologist III
SUBMITTED BY':
Karl B.Schneider
Research Coordinator
PROVED BY':'\\\~.'.'",'\~~----.\~\\
w.Lewis Pamplin,J .,D rector
Division of wildlife Conservation
w.Bruce Dinneford .
Acting Chief of Planning
Division of wildlife Conservation
16
,,:_,,--.c:_~
r7--..r'<:\-"-R'V £R
.Waellla
A II,lelelld
I 1.11 lelalld
C ".Ullt .ueltlla
D Llttl.".Ullt .ueltlla
E L •••r 1.lu,a Lak.
,1.lu,a ".ulltalll
Q V.III.Hille
H Alllber Lak.
I Tr ......r Lake
oJ D.It.lelallde
K R.dellirt Lak.
L D."II Call,oll
D.III lit.
tg,.o",/
C
A
o
.6
10o
F
£
o 'I:::'=_-=~_==IO:iUo--
..
Figure 1.Map .howlng location of the Itudy area In Ala.ka with name.
n.ted for riven.lake.and other prominent land.cape feature ••
17
168
.NORTH
..
,"
Fig.2.Location of Same ,..ana~emen~Sutumlt.(13£.104A.,....
18A and 18.5)and .tata and natlona'"r,.Inth,atuc:lY ana.
18
~
Km.
45
!
NORTH
Scale 1:915000
·0
It::::=-_t=~_=::::!
..
..
coO ~I n I •t
Fig.3.Locations of Talkeetna MO,untalns alpine habltah (A-G).Kashwltna
Corridor forested habitat (H)and the Coal Creek timber cut area (I)where
moose were captured and radio-marked.
19
NOATH
Sca.e 1:'15000
o,.
Kill •.
50--
COOK INLET
·.
..
Fig.4.Location.for Talkeetna Mountains subarea.(A-G).Game Management
Unit 148 (H)and Woose (I)/Kroto (J)Creeks when moos.aurvey.were
conducted.
20
..
ALPINE HABITAT WIr~TER MOOSE SURVEYS
BALD MOUNTAIN TO SUNSHINE MTN 19B5-B9
1.500
1.4-00
1.300
1.200
1.100
w 1.000
(I)
0,,",0.90000
~""OC 0.800lLo
0 0
:::J 0.700150
IV mt 0.600......~
::>z 0.500
0.4-00
0.300
0.200
0.100
0.000
1988-89+
OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR
DATE OF SUR'v£Y
1986-87 0 1987-881985-86n
Figure 5.Winter trends in numbers of moose observed during 4 years in ?Rlpine
habitat Rreas in the western foothills of the TRlkeetnR Mountains,southcentrRl
AlBska,October-April,1985-89.Months Rre subdivided into periods of 1-10,11-20,
and 21-)1 oalendar dRyS.
ALPINE HABITAT WINTER MOOSE SURVEYS
BALD MOUNTAIN TO WilLOW MTt~1985-89
0.9
0.0
0.7
w
(I)
Or"'0.600
~'U
C
I.LO 0.500
:::J
N ~t 0.4-N ~::>z
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC JAN JAN JAN FEO FEB FEO MAR MAR MAR APR APR
DAlE OF SU R\1E'(
o 1985-86 +1986-07 0 1907-0B A 19BB-B9
Figure 6.Effects of month Bnd year on winter trends in numbers of moose observed
during 4 yeBrs 1n )Blpine hab1tBt areas in the western footh1lls of the TAlkeetnB
MountBins,October-April,'southcentral Alaska,1985-89.Months are subdlvlded into
periods of 1-10,11-20,and 21-)1 calendar days.
••It
SNOWPACI<DEPTH AT WILLOW
1 OCTOBER TO 20 APRil 1984-8970-r--------------~
60
,....
Z
0-50
~a
{5 40
~
0 30
IV ~W
~
::>~
~20
:i
10
OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR
MONTHLY PERIOD (AP PROXIMA.TElY 10 DAYS)
o 1984 .+1985 ()1986 11 1987 X 1988
Figure 7.Effeots of year and month on trends in snowpack depth reoorded ~t Willow,
southoentral Alnska,Ootober-April,1984-89.Months are subdivided into periods of
1-10,11-20,and 21-)1 oalendar days.Snowpaok depth measurements represent maximum
depths of snow reoorded on ground during -monthly period.
SNOWPAC~<DEPTH AT TAL~<EETr\jA
1 OCTOBER TO 20 APRIL 1984-89
70 -,-----------------------------------,
60
,.....
Z
0-50
~
0
{5 40
-c~
0 30
N 61
~:::!:
~
~20
:::!:
10
OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR
MOfHHlY PERIOD (AP PROXI~TElY 10 DAYS)
o 19B4 +19B5 0 19B6 l:1 19B7 X 19BB
Figure 8.Effects of year and month on trends in snowpack depth recorded at
Talkeetna.southcentral Alaska.October-April.1984-89.Months are subdivided
into periods of 1-10.11-20.and 21-)1 calendar days.Snowpack depth mea9~rements
represent maximum depths of snow recorded on ground during monthly perlod~
..
••II
ALPIr\lE HABITAT WINTER MOOSE SURVEYS
8.AlD,Vv1LLOW AND SUNSHINE MTNS.1985-86
500 -.--------------------------------r100
400 80
~
H
W~(I)§rlQ0030060VlOlE:0~=-0
~~:IE:
=Ik.H
0 112
ffiH ~en=-~
N 200 40rlQ
U1 ~~m
Ir)
B
P1
100 20
o
OOT OOT OOT NOV NOV NOV DEO DEC DEC JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FE8 MAR MAR MAR APR APR
DATE OF SU RVfY
D B.AlD +WILLOW <>SUNSHINE
Figure 9.Effeots of areA on winter trends in numbers of moose observed in
)alpine areas in the western foothills of the TAlkeetna MountAins,southoentrAl
Alaska,Ootober-April,1985-86.Months are subdivided into periods of 1-10,
11-20,and 21-)1 oalendar days.
J
ALPINE HABITAT WINTER MOOSE SURVEYS
BM.D.VYlllOW AND SUNSHINE MTNS.19B6-87
o
500 -r-----------,.------------------------rl00
400 80
~
H
~
W ~
(I)p
0 ~300 60:0 0~=-0
lL ~a:~0 Prot
0::H 0 ~~§W 11#m Q 200 40~N ~~JQ V)
())::>!§z 8 z
<~
100 20
OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR
DATE OF SURVEY
o fJM..D +WIL.L.OW e .SU NS HIN E
Figure 10.Effects of nrea on winter trends in numbers of moose observed in J
alpine areas in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains,southcentrql
Alaska,October-April,1986-87.Months are:subdivided into periods of 1-10,
11-20,and 21-)1 calendar days •
..
0'•
ALPINE I~ABITAT W\I\JTER Ivl00SE SURVEYS
B.Al.D,VY1ll0W AND SUNSHINE MWS.1987 -88
500 -r---------------------------------rl00
o
400 80
z
H
~~I'iI
00 JOO 60 HJ0JE:0
~=-0
:-:=~§Iktt-t
OIXl
IV 15~PS~-....J !~200 o ~V)
:z:B<~
100 20
OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR
DATE OF SU R'vEY
o PM.0 +WILLOW e SUNSHINE
Figure 11,Effects of area on winter trends in numbers of moose observed in
)alpine areas in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains,southcentral
Alaska,1987-88.Months are subdivided into periods of 1-10,11-21,and 21-)1
oalendar days.
ALPINE HABITAT WINTER MOOSE SURVEYS
B.AlD,WlLLOW AND SUNSHJNE MTNS.1988-89
500 -,--------------------------------r-l00
400 80
~
H
W ~
§~(I)60~8 0 300lIE:0~=-:IE:~
lL ~0 ~H0:j 0 Ctl
I\.J ffi H P:~CD Ol =-40~
~~200 JQ C1)
~~ell ~
~-<~
100 20
e SUNSHINE
in numbers of moose observed in J
TAlkeetna Mountains,southcentral
periods of.1-10.11-20,and 21-31
OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR
DAlE OF SURVEY
n ~O +WILLOW
Pigure 12.Effeots of arefl on winter trends
alpine areas in the western foothills of the
,Alaska.1988-89..Months are-subd ivided into
oalendar d8Ys.
~,II
•:
SNOWPACI<DEPTH 1l\J LOWER SUSITNA VALLEY
1 NOVEMBER TO 20 APRIL 19B4--B5
BO -.--------------------------------..
70
,.....,z 600
~50a
0
i 40
0
l\.)6;
I.D 30:,;
~
~20~
10
OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR
MONTHLY PERIOD (APPROXltAATELY 10 DAYS)
o WIL +W/!>S <>TAL A.SKW x CHU
Figure 1).Effects of area on trends 1n snowpack depth recorded at 5 10cat10ns
in the lower Susitna valley,southcentral Alaska,October-April,1984-85.
Snowpack depth represents the maximum depth of snow me~sured on the ground
during monthly period..Months are subdivided 1nto periods of 1-10,11-20,and
21-)1 calendar days.
SNOWPACK DEPTH AT WASILLA
1 OCTOBER TO 20 APRIL 1984--89
70 -,---------------------------------,
60
"Z
G-50
~a
0 40
i
0 30w6J0
~
3~
~20
~
10
OCT OCT OCT NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR APR APR
MONTHLY PERIOD (APPROXIt-MTELY 10 DAYS)
o 19B4 +1985 e 1986 Ii.1987 X 198B
Figure 14.Effects of ye~r on snowpAok depth recorded at WAsillA,southoentrAI
AlaskA,October-April,1984-89.SnowpRok depth represents the maximum depth of
snow measured on the ground during monthly period.Months are subdivided into
periods of 1-10,11-20,and 21-)1 calendAr dAYS.
".
Table 1.Numbers of moose observed during 4 years in 7 alpine
habitat areas in the western foothills of the Talkeetna
Mountains,Southcentral Alaska,october-April,1985-89.
,.
••
...
Survey date
1985-86
4 Oct
17 Oct
8 Nov
18 Nov
3 Dec
28 Feb
31 Mar
17 Apr
1986-87
26 Nov
24 Dec
15 Jan
2 Mar
1987-88
2 Nov
17 Nov
4 Dec
21 Dec
12 Jan
28 Jan
27 Mar
20 Apr
1988-89
13 Oct
28 Oct
15 Nov
5 Dec
23 Dec
15 Jan
7 Feb
8 Mar
Number of moose
42
363
775
919
890
703
490
202
1405
349
181
133
875
1010
840
610
234
244
121
16
346
1252
1173
581
335
232
131
121
Areas surveyeda
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL
A-E
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL
A-C
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL
••a ALL =Bald,Moss,Willow,Witna,Brownie,Wolverine and
Sunshine Mountain.A-E =Wolverine and Sunshine Mountain not
surveyed.A-C =Witna,Brownie,Wolverine and Sunshine Mtn.not
surveyed.
31
Table 2.Number and percentage of annual peak for moose observed
during 4 years in alpine habitat on Bald,Moss and Willow
Mountain in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains,
Southcentral Alaska,october-April,1985-89.
Percentage of
Survey date Number of moose annual peak ••
1985-86
4 Oct 42 7
17 Oct 286 46
8 Nov 566 90
18 Nov 620 99
3 Dec 626a 100
28 Feb 472 75
31 Mar 338 54
17 Apr 114 18
1986-87
26 Nov 938 a 100
24 Dec 208 22
15 Jan 73 8
2 Mar 44 5 ~'
1987-88 ..
2 Nov 676 a 100
17 Nov 659 97
4 Dec 452 67
21 Dec 263 39
12 Jan 87 13
28 Jan 102 15
27 Mar 69 10
20 Apr 12 2
1988-89
13 Oct 346 42
28 Oct 819 a 100
15 Nov 654 80
5 Dec 277 34
23 Dec 162 20
15 Jan 84 10
7 Feb 46 6
8 Mar 52 6
•
a Annual peak number of moose.
32
I •
Table 3.Number of moose and timing of annual peak for moose
observed on periodic surveys in alpine habitat on Bald,willow
and Sunshine Mountains in the western foothills of the Talkeetna
Mountains,Southcentral Alaska,October-April 1985-89.
..
••
...
..
Survey
date
1985-86
4 Oct
17 Oct
8 Nov
18 Nov
3 Dec
28 Feb
31 Mar
17 Apr
1986-87
26 Nov
24 Dec
15 Jan
2 Mar
1987-88
2 Nov
17 Nov
4 Dec
21 Dec
12 Jan
28 Jan
27 Mar
20 Apr
1988-89
13 Oct
28 Oct
15 Nov
5 Dec
23 Dec
15 Jan
7 Feb
8 Mar
Bald
37
119
264
302 a
260
275
191
40
4088 a
120
47
20
339
352 a
196
97
20
39
18
9
138
327 a
291
150
61
25
7
16
Area
willow
5
148
265
268
312 a
164
121
59
492 a
43
15
15
296 a
277
233
150
60
52
40
3
194
455 a
330
105
88
53
36
29
Sunshine
o
2
21
26
39
50 a
21
14
21
56 a
50
19
NS
38
57
71a
33
29
11
2
NSb
64 a
63
62
60
57
22
26
a Peak number of moose for annual count.
b NS =Area not surveyed.
33
APPENDIX A
Table A.Capture data and fate of radio-marked moose in subareas
of the lower Susitna Valley,Southcentral Alaska,1980-89.
Number
i •capture Sub-Ear tags Visual Trans-
statusbdateareaSexAgeaLeftRightcollarmitter
12/23/85 Bald Mt.M 3 2354 1546 31 18135 HK
12/23/85 Bald Mt.F 8 2360 1506 262 18136 eM
12/23/85 Bald Mt F 8 2389 2388 33 18130 OK
12/23/85 Bald Mt.F 5 2400 2395 27 10591 OK
12/23/85 Bald Mt.F 5 1510 2485 29 10598 OK
12/23/85 Bald Mt.F 2 2392 2399 371 6359 WK
12/23/85 Bald Mt.M 1 2397 2396 35 18131 HK
12/23/85 willow Mt.F 10 1551 1524 34 18137 OK
12/23/85 Willow Mt.F 6 1575 1570 36 18138 OK
12/23/85 willow Mt.F 4 2482 2440 3 6397 PK
12/23/85 willow Mt.F 4 2433 2368 9 6396 PK
12/23/85 willow Mt.M 8 1568 1569 8 6383 WM
12/23/85 willow Mt.M 4 2394 2391 32 18134 OK
12/23/85 willow Mt.M 5 2398 2393 5 6374 OK
12/26/85 willow Mt.M 6 1571 2497 28 6425 WM/PK .~
12/26/85 Bald Mt.F 3 2357 1512 2 12807 IK
12/26/85 Bald Mt.M 12 1573 1574 1 10498 HK
12/26/85 Bald Mt.M 9 1501 1554 4 6372 OK
12/26/85 Bald Mt.M 4 1504 2390 7 6356 HK
12/26/85 Moss Mt.F 15 1538 1513 38 10498 IK
12/26/85 Moss Mt.M 4 1517 1532 25 6438 HK
01/02/86 Brownie Mt F 7 2387 2382 49 6460 OK
01/02/86 Brownie Mt F 4 2380 2386 50 6495 OK
01/02/86 Brownie Mt F 3 2378 2385 54 6499 OK
01/02/86 Brownie Mt M 4 2381 2383 52 6454 WK
01/02/86 Brownie Mt M 3 2379 2384 53 6504 OK
01/02/86 witna Mt.F 5 1508 1503 55 6402 OK
01/02/86 Wolverine Mt F 9 2376 2377 51 6496 OK
01/07/86 Brownie Mt.F 3 1562 2414 43 10496 OK
01/07/86 Brownie Mt.M 8 1528 2409 30 6411 HK
01/07/86 Sunshine Mt F 3 1511 1555 11 6410 OK
01/07/86 Sunshine Mt M 5 1560 1561 47 6500 OK
01/07/86 Sunshine Mt M 3 2411 2479 10 6494 HK
01/07/86 Wolverine Mt F 18 1586 2436 481 6501 CM
01/07/86 Wolverine Mt F 12 2423 2370 46 18133 HK
01/07/86 Wolverine Mt M 5 1505 1509 441 10594 HK
02/04/86 Wolverine Mt M 7 1698 2158 48 6501 1M
02/04/86 Wolverine Mt F 13 2073 2150 581 23933 OK
02/04/86 Willow Mt.F 8 2071 2106 721 6458 OK '.
02/04/86 Willow Mt.F 4 2161 2116 60 6457 OK
34
35
Table A (cont.)
Number
Capture Sub-Ear tags Visual Trans-..
date area Sex Agea Left Right collar mitter statusb
i ~
04/17/80 Susitna
River F 5 15754 15755 22 10592 Ol<
02/24/82 Susitna
River F 6 16984 94 10597 OK
01/31/84 Susitna
River F 4 16 812 6424 OK
02/24/82 Susitna
River F 3 16704 100 10602 OK
01/31/84 Susitna
River F 7 6 17 61 6459 OK
03/10/81 Susitna
River F 13 1173 59 6423 OK
03/10/81 Susitna
River F 9 8452 85 6453 OK
03/10/81 Susitna
River F 5 8454 88 6456 OK
03/12/81 Susitna
River F 2 42 6409 OK
01/03/85 Susitna ~
River F 9 1636 1676 1 18127 OK
01/03/85 Susitna
River F 5 2052 1635 14 6429 OK ..
03/11/81 Susitna
River F 11 8463 73 6428 OK
01/31/84 Susitna
River F 4 22 19 18 6412 OK
03/10/81 Susitna
River F 5 8482 90 6466 OK
03/10/81 Susitna
River F 5 1157 19 6417 OK
03/10/81 Susitna
River F 10 8487 57 6415 OK
03/10/81 Susitna
River F 0 0 37 6432 NS
03/10/81 Susitna
River F 11 0 18407 56 6427 NS
03/10/81 Susitna
River F 6 0 15747 45 6441 NS
02/24/82 Susitna
River F 4 16702 0 96 10599 NS
a Age determined from incisor wear.Assigned '"age probably
included within actual age intervals of:1,2-3,4-6,7-12 and
12+years.
36
b OK =
WK =
eM =
DR =
PK =
••IK =
WM =
IM =
NS =
-.
moose alive and transmitter functional;HK =hunter
kill;
probable winter kill;
capture or drug related mortality;
Probable drowning in river;RC =Recaptured/recollared;
predator kill,not documented but presumed to be most
likely cause of death;
probable illegal kill,
probable hunting wound or fighting wound mortality;
probable mortality from accidental injury or wounding
No transmitter signal located,possible transmitter
failure.Date for all OK =OS/23/89.
37
Appendix B
Alexander Creek and Skwentna River Moose population Identity and
Movement Substudy
by James B.Faro
SUMMARY
This report covers radiorelocation data from moose captured in
the late winter of 1987 at Alexander Creek,1988 at the mouth of
Lake Creek on the Yentna River,and 1988 and 1989 at the lower
Skwentna River.A total of 783 radio relocations have been
obtained from these 3 samples.A detailed analysis of data is
pending an increase in sample sizes and digitizing of point
locations.General movement and habitat use patterns are
described.Previous assumptions concerning movement patterns of
these moose were not always supported by the data.Routinely
counted fall trend areas can not be relied upon to provide
information on the status of these subpopulations.
BACKGROUND
The Susitna River drainages are recognized as some of the most
productive moose habitat in the state.Late fall aerial surveys
in some areas were begun prior to statehood (Le.,1959)with
additional survey areas established in response to management
needs and budget growth.A total of 35 sample units have been
established,but fewer than 15 are surveyed annually.The 1984
and 1985 aerial census programs developed an estimate of
approximately 10,000 animals for the unit 16 population.
SUbpopulation identity data are necessary for resolving conflicts
between sport and winter subsistence seasons and to respond to
proposed land use programs,such as commercial timber harvest or
recreational land disposals,that would alter existing habitat
values for moose.
OBJECTIVES
Primary
To identify and delineate moose sUbpopulations providing major
subsistence harvest in Unit 16B.
To more precisely delineate annual movement patterns and
location,timing and duration of seasonal habitats.
To identify habitats and land areas that are important for
maintaining the integrity of these moose sub-populations.
38
••
.-
••
••
Peripheral
To identify location of calving and rutting areas of moose
sUbpopulations providing maj or subsistence harvests in Subunit
16B.
STUDY AREA
The area of the study will be defined by moose movements from the
capture area on Alexander Creek,Skwentna River,and Lake Creek
winter ranges to include seasonal habitat utilized by radio-
collared moose during other seasons of the year.
METHODS
To provide individually identifiable moose for periodic
relocations,moose were captured and marked with ear tags and a
combination of both visual and radio collars.Each radio collar
had a discrete transmitting frequency,and individual animals
were relocated utilizing a programmable receiver from a fixed-
wing aircraft fitted with two-element Yagi antennae.Locations
of relocated animals were plotted on 1/63,360-scale USGS
topographic maps,and other pertinent data were recorded.
Surveys were scheduled to identify calving areas,rutting
concentrations,postrutting feeding areas,and winter range
boundaries.This report covers the period ending 30 June 1989.
A total of 23 individual radio-collared moose (4 males and 19
females)provided data on the winter concentration of moose in
the Alexander Creek-lower Susitna River area.Twenty of these
radios were placed on moose in 1987 at Alexander Creek,and 3
animals with functional radios from studies on the lower Susitna
River were incorporated into the sample.Attrition has occurred
because of various mortality factors and shed collars;15 animals
continue to provide data,and a total 507 relocations points have
been obtained.
In February 1988,21 moose were radio-collared:10 on the lower
Skwentna River and the remainder on the Yentna River near the
mouth of Lake Creek.Because of the loss of 4 moose from the
Skwentna sample,6 additional ones were radio-collared in
February 1989,bringing the sample to 27 moose (11 males and 16
females).Data are available from 276 relocations,and as of
June 1989,23 radios (7 males and 16 females)remained active.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Although movements of radio-collared moose have not been analyzed
in detail,home ranges have not been plotted because locations
have not yet been digitized,and data collections are still
continuing;insights are possible from available information.
The following preliminary analysis will generally combine data to
39
compensate for small sample sizes,but some tentative comparison~
have been made between the Alexander Creek and combined S~wentna~
Lake Creek samples.In addition to geographic locations,
seasonal movements of moose are documented by the vegetative
community and the elevation level when relocated.
Gross Habitat Use Patterns
Habitats in the study areas are largely mature forest,muskeg-
marsh,riparian flood plain,and alpine areas above tree level.
Of 660 points with habitat information,3 communities (Le.,
riparian,spruce-hardwood forest,and open spruce-harowood)
accounted for 86%of the relocations (Table 1).Many factors
influence vegetative communities,but there is a strong
correlation with plant communities used by moose and elevation.
Riparian community relocations generally represented low-
elevation winter range;the mean elevation for all relocations
occurring in the riparian community w:as 142 feet.The mature
spruce-hardwood forest occurred from low elevation to some areas
above 1,000 feet,providing environmental conditions allowed
trees to maintain a closed canopy.Mean elevation of moose
locations in this habitat type was 309 feet.At higher
elevations,the forest canopy opened,creating the open spruce-
hardwood community with scattered trees interspersed with grass.
The mean elevation of locations in open forest was 1098 feet.
Above tree line various alpine communities occurred.The
relationship of the 3 preferred communities to elevation and
month are presented in Table 2.
Alexander Creek
Seasonal habitat use data for Alexander Creek are presented in
Table 3.Moose leave the winter range by late April or early May
for upland habitats.While on the winter range,the riparian
plant community was the primary area of moose use,but the
adjacent closed-canopy forest was also important.The movement
from winter range occurred in late April and early May,when most
relocations occurred in the closed-canopy spruce-hardwood forest.
Most moose moved west and north towards the Susitna-Beluga
Mountains,although some moved as far west as the Talachulitna
River and Tordrillo Mountains.A few remained in the forested
low lands and did not move far from the winter range.By fall,
both the closed-canopy and open-canopy forest were important,but
moose were observed in a greater variety of habitats than during
other seasons.Arrival back on the winter range coincided with
heavy snow,and riparian areas aga~t\provided critical moose
habitat for the winter.Mean elevational data reflect the
seasonal movement from the low-level winter areas to higher areas
as spring,summer,and fall progresseo and the return to lowe~
elevations with snow.Home ranges of individual Alexander Creek
moose have not been plotted.
40
••
.,
Skwentna River-Lake Creek
Skwentna River-Lake Creek moose demonstrated similar seasonal
movements to those observed from Alexander Creek (Table 4).
Winter range use was primarily riparian habitat and adj acent
forest.Most moose from the Skwentna River moved south and west
towards Beluga Mountain and the Alaska Range drained by the
Talachulitna River.In the summer and fall,there was some
sharing of habitat with animals that had been radio-collared at
Alexander Creek.Contrary to the Alexander Creek and Skwentna
River samples,the Lake Creek moose appear to be more sedentary,
relying on forested low lands for all their seasonal needs.As a
result,the open spruce-hardwood communities and alpine areas
were used less frequently,and mean-summer fall elevations for
Skwentna-Lake Creek data were lower than those from the Alexander
Creek sample.Higher mean winter elevations for these moose
reflect the upstream location of their winter ranges.Home
ranges of individual animals have not been plotted.
CONCLUSIONS
Previous assumptions concerning other seasonal areas used by
these moose were not always supported by the data.Many
Alexander Creek moose moved greater distances north and west than
once believed.Skwentna moose can not be monitored using the
Mount Yenlo fall trend areas.Lake Creek animals appeared
dependent on adjacent lowland forest habitat and were not
included in any of the fall trend area surveys.The importance
of the mature closed-canopy spruce-hardwood forest in all areas
appears to be greater than originally thought.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The emphasis of management is increasingly on winter
concentrations,proposed land disposals,timber harvest,and
expanding winter hunting seasons.These concentrations are
dependent on habitat and events that are removed from the winter
range.Therefore it is important that information on
sUbpopulations be available.If the moose concentrations and
subsistence uses they support are to be maintained,knowledge of
migrational paths ,calving and breeding areas,and where these
sUbpopulations may be harvested during fall hunting season must
be known.Data collection for the Alexander Creek sample should
continue through 1990 to complete documentation of habitat
preference.The Skwentna-Lake Creek relocations should continue
through 1991.
PREPARED BY:
James B.Faro
Wildlife Biologist III
SUBMITTED BY:
Karl Schneider
Research Coordinator
41
Table B-1.Habitat in use for Alexander Creek and the Skwentna-
Lake Creek moose radio relocations.
Skwentna-Lake Creek •
All Data Alexander Creek _____..£.t:eek __________
Type No.%No.%No.%
••
Alders 26 3.9 22 5.7 4 1.5
Alpine 25 3.8 19 4.9 6 2.2
Grass 7 1.1 7 1.8
Marsh 6 .9 6 1.6
Open spruce
-hardwood 63 9.6 53 13.8 10 3.6
Riparian 198 30.0 111 28.8 87 31.6
Spruce-
hardwood 306 46.4 149 38.7 157 57.1
Shrub 2 .3 2 .5 ..
Spruce 13 2.0 9 2.3 4 1.5
Totals 660 100.1 385 99.9 275 100.0
42
Table B-1.Habitat in use for Alexander Creek and the Skwentna-
Lake Creek moose radio relocations.
Skwentna-Lake Creek
All Data Alexander Creek Creek
Type No.%No.%No•%.,
Alders 26 3.9 22 5.7 4 1.5
Alpine 25 3.8 19 4.9 6 2.2
Grass 7 1.1 7 1.8
Marsh 6 .9 6 1.6
Open spruce
-hardwood 63 9.6 53 13.8 10 3.6
Riparian 198 30.0 111 28.8 87 31.6
Spruce-
hardwood 306 46.4 149 38.7 157 57.1
Shrub 2 .3 2 .5
~
Spruce 13 2.0 9 2.3 4 1.5
Totals 660 100.1 385 99.9 275 100.0
43
Table B-2.Habitat in use and mean elevation by month for
Alexander Creek and the Skwentna-Lake Creek moose radio
relocations.
Percent of relocatigps Ry habitat type
Mean
Open spruce-Spruce-elevation ••
Month hardwood hardwood Riparian other in feet
January 21.5 74.5 3.9 93
February 31.7 65.9 2.4 128
March 33.3 64.7 2.0 159
April 7.0 27.0 2.7 187
May 5.0 69.4 18.2 7.4 336
June 12.4 52.2 16.8 18.6 506
September 18.5 51.9 5.6 20.1 961
October 28.6 35.7 9.2 26.5 817
iii'
November 3.1 43.7 21.9 31.3 648
i
..
December 3.8 39.6 54.7 1.9 192
44
Table B-3.Habitat use and mean elevation of relocations by
month for Alexander Creek sample.
Percentage of relocations by habitat type Mean
Open spruce-Spruce-All elevation
Month hardwood hardwood Riparian Other in feet••
January 20.0 77.1 2.9 53
February 31.6 68.4 99
March 26.9 69.2 3.9 123
April 73.1 26.7 .2 138
May 4.9 77.1 8.2 14.7 303
June 21.8 40.0 10.9 27.3 595
September 22.2 36.1 8.3 35.4 695
October 32.5 28.8 8.8 29.9 966
November 42.9 21.4 35.7 637..
December 5.7 25.7 68.6 163
••
45
Table B-4.Habitat use and mean elevation of relocations by
month for Skwentna-Lake Creek sample.
Month
Percentage of relocations by babitat type
Open spruce-Spruce-All
hardwood hardwood Riparian other
Mean
elevation
in feet ••
January
February
March
April
May
June
5.0
3.5
25.0
31.8
40.0
68.2
61.7
69.8
68.8
63.6
60.0
27.3
28.3
22.4
6.2
4.6
4.5
5.0
4.3
144
153
192
220
354
447
September 11.1 83.3 5.6 537
October
November
December
11.1
5.6
66.7
44.4
66.7
46
11.1
22.2
27.8
10.1
27.8
5.5
636
658
191
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination
based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, or disability.
The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you desire
further information please write to ADF&G, P.O. Box 25526, Juneau, AK 99802-5526; U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 300 Webb, Arlington, VA 22203 or O.E.O., U.S.
Department of the Interior, Washington DC 20240.
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications, please contact the
department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-6077, (TDD) 907-465-3646, or (FAX) 907-465-6078.