Mainland moose poachers sought in Hants County
An endangered Nova Scotia mainland moose, moved for safety reasons last month, has been found dead and Department of Natural Resources officials are searching for the poachers.
The animal's remains were found Monday afternoon in the woods near Highway 101 in the Mount Uniacke area. It had been cut up, the meat removed and the hide and head left behind.
"It's become pretty clear that this moose was poached," said Zach Churchill, the Minister of Natural Resources.
"We're asking for the public's help to help us identify who is responsible for this so that the appropriate action can be taken."
Tony Rodgers, executive director of the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters, said the death is bad news for the mainland moose population.
"It's been struggling for years to get a better foothold in the province and get its numbers back up," he said. "Every time it's attacked by these unscrupulous people, like poachers, it really sets the program back."
Officials were familiar with this particular moose because biologists, wildlife technicians and conservation officers tranquilized the four-year-old, 272-kilogram male moose on Sept. 30 in the community of St. Croix in Hants County.
The moose — which the department said was moved for the safety of the animal, drivers and local residents — was set free near Pockwock outside the Halifax Regional Municipality.
It was last seen alive in that area on Thursday.
Residual tranquilizer in system
Department of Natural Resources officials said they're concerned because the moose meat contains residual tranquilizer drugs and is not considered safe to eat.
Rodgers said what the poachers may not know is that the tranquilizer can stay in the animal's system for up to a year.
"Now, heaven knows, they may have put some people in danger by giving away or selling them tainted meat," he said.
The Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters has been working hard to get the message out about the endangered mainland moose, said Rodgers.
"Vigilance on the part of the public is what is needed," he said.
"I think we've tried to get the word out that shooting mainland moose is not good for business. It's very embarrassing to the hunting community to know there are individuals out there calling themselves hunters. They're really nothing more than wildlife thieves."
Hunting the mainland moose has been illegal since 1981. The department said poaching has been a factor slowing the recovery of the population.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Department of Natural Resouces at 1-800-565-2224 or email reportapoacher@gov.ns.ca.
