Distribution and abundance of moose in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Lewis, Tania; White, Kevin

Moose (Alces americana) represent an important wildlife resource providing wildlife viewing opportunities within Glacier Bay National park and Preserve and sport hunting opportunities in portions of the preserve and lands surrounding the park. This project was a collaborative effort between state and federal agencies to: 1) quantify the winter (December - March) distribution, minimum number, and group composition of moose on lands adjacent to Glacier Bay proper, Icy Strait, and the southern outer coast; 2) compare current moose distribution and abundance to historical data within Adams Inlet; and 3) provide baseline data and sampling recommendations for developing long-term monitoring protocols and future research priorities. Moose aerial surveys were conducted for approximately 15 hours during 3 days from December 8, 2012 – March 16, 2013. A total of 466 moose were observed (percent calves = 11.6). The distribution of moose in the survey area was not uniform with abundance of moose highest in the Gustavus (272) and Adams Inlet (112) areas. In the remainder of the survey area moose appeared to occur at relatively low densities. Within Adams Inlet, comparisons with historical data indicate 43 – 68 moose per hour (mean of 53 ± 13) have been observed in the Adams Inlet survey area from 1984 - 2012. Whereas the number of moose within Adams inlet appears to have remined stable over time, the distribution of moose may have changed over time, likely relating to changes in post-glacial plant succession which has likely influenced the foraging habitat of moose. We recommend that the park develop a long-term monitoring program for moose.

Distribution and abundance of moose in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

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