Moose Round-up

Episode 2

Learn about the moose and how population impacts the survival of a species. Discover how scientists are using technology to learn more about wildlife. Learn how animals use a home range and establish territory and explore the history behind the names of some common New Hampshire animals.

Moose Roundup

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

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

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

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

Key Concepts

Other Concepts

NH Social Studies Connection

Taking Action

.. that the moose is the largest member of the deer family and the largest mammal in North America!

… that you can’t outrun a moose! They can run faster than humans

Click here to test your Moose Round-up knowledge.

Learn more about these animals.

Click here to access the teacher’s guide for this episode.

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