Immobilization of the Shiras Moose
Houston DB. 1969. Immobilization of the Shiras Moose. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 33(3):534-537
A total of 117 Shiras moose (Alces alces shirasii) was immobilized with succinylcholine chloride in the Jackson Hole area of Wyoming. Minimum mortality occurred when dosages were varied by time of year within age classes. Dosages producing optimum immobilization in adults from late spring to mid-winter were 15-17 mg.: for subadults, 12-14 mg.; for calves, 9-11 mg. Dosages could be reduced 20-30% in late winter to early spring. Approximate live weights of moose were calculated from known-age carcasses at game-processing plants. Twenty-six males, 3 1/2 years or older when killed, averaged 930 lbs.; 13 females, 780 lbs.: 10 yearling males and females, 590 lbs. Live weights of 6 to 9-month-old calves were not available, but were estimated to average about 300 lbs. The inverse relation-ship between body size and drug dosages suggested that effective cholinesterase levels in moose may not increase in direct proportion to body size. A reduction in animal weights and/or effective cholinesterase levels may explain the efficiency of smaller drug dosages in late winter to early spring, when moose were in poorer physical condition.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Houston, Douglas
- Units
- GRTE
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Animals, Immobilization, Jackson Hole WY, Mammals, Moose (Alces alces), Mortality, organism-physical condition, seasonal activities, Size, Trapping, Ungulates