Vermont and New Hampshire Wildlife Biologists commenting on effects of Coyote predation on Moose calves

At least based on what has been investigated in New England and the Great Lakes States, black bears appear to be the chief predator of Moose calves...............with speculation that our Eastern Coyote(Coywolf) opportunistically will "steal" a calf.................but the hyper vigilance of Mother Moose combined with the shorter vulnerability period of Moose calves(compared to deer calves) seems to suggest that coyotes are not a serious predator for our growing Northeast Moose population.................not a good thing if for some reason, Moose somehow overcome the warmer weather and severe tick infestations that usually combine to limit their numbers.


From: Adler, MaryBeth [mailto:MaryBeth.Adler@state.vt.us]

Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 9:30 AM

To: Meril, Rick
Subject: RE: Moose foraging in the temp forest of southern new england


Hi Rick,
This is an interesting discussion and question…thanks for sending it our way.

I don’t in any way feel qualified to answer as I have not done enough study to answer rightly. I have forwarded your email to Cedric Alexander, our department Moose Biologist, who will have much more knowledge on the subject than I.

I do get a chance to look at your blog occasionally. Great stuff! I have a soft spot for coyotes as they are fascinating, beautiful creatures and too often get a bad rap. Thanks for all your efforts!

Mary Beth

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From: Royar, Kim [mailto:Kim.Royar@state.vt.us]
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 11:12 AM

To: Meril, Rick
Subject: RE: Moose foraging in the temp forest of southern new england

Hi Rick: Mary Beth and I passed on your question on to Cedric Alexander our moose biologist. I hope this helps. Thank you for all of the great articles you send around. I find them very informative. Kim

Kim Royar
Wildlife Biologist
VT Fish & Wildlife Biologist
http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/
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From: Alexander, Cedric [mailto:Cedric.Alexander@state.vt.us]
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 9:52 AM

To: Meril, Rick

Cc: Adler, MaryBeth; Royar, Kim; Rines Kris (kristine.m.rines@wildlife.nh.gov); Pekins Pete (pete.pekins@unh.edu)

Subject: FW: Moose foraging in the temp forest of southern new england

Rick,

I don’t ever remember seeing coyote predation on moose calves documented in the literature. But I have assumed the larger eastern coyote, hunting in family groups, probably is able to take a moose calf opportunistically. How often this might happen is unknown to me, but I do know that Vermont’s moose herd grew very rapidly during the 1980’s and 90’s, even though Vermont was saturated with coyotes. Thus coyotes were certainly not suppressing the moose population in any significant degree.

New Hampshire has investigated calf mortality and perhaps Moose Biologist Kris Rines has some insight to share. Dr. Pete Pekins at UNH has studied food habits and energy requirements of coyotes and may also have some information on the subject.

Thanks to all,

Cedric

Cedric Alexander, Certified Wildlife Biologist
Moose Project Leader
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
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Rick,,. FYI from Kristine.


From: Cedric Alexander, Certified Wildlife Biologist
Moose Project Leader
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

From: Rines, Kristine [mailto:Kristine.Rines@wildlife.nh.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 1:54 PM
To: Alexander, Cedric

Subject: RE: Moose foraging in the temp forest of southern new england

Hey Ced!

I’m pretty sure they take neo-nates, perhaps at a lesser rate then they’re take of fawns due to more maternal umph by the cow. Tony often saw coyotes and bears near calf resting areas. We never knew what caused them to disappear but we did lose about 30% of them in the first 8 weeks.

Kristine M Rines
Wildlife Biologist
NH Fish & Game Dept.