Feeding
can kill deer.
I know many of us want to help. This was a rough winter
for the critters and some residents put out hay and other feed for the moose.
But, it can kill them. The hay, especially alfalfa, is way too rich (hot) for
them. It causes severe bloating and possible death. I felt terrible last night
when a moose came into the woods behind my house. It was so thin, big head, skinny
neck with hip bones poking out. I could have cried and had I not known I would
have immediately gone and gotten some hay, but I didn't want to take the chance
of making things worse. I spoke with Dan at Fish and Game (769-1414). I had heard
feeding them could kill them so I called to get more information. He said yes,
it can kill because the feed we give over-loads their system and they can't handle
it. He said the only safe feed is pruning your trees and piling that for them
or Cedar bark is good as it has the best nutrients. Hay does not have the nutrients
they need. Fish and Game would prefer we not feed at all, but if you can't resist,
please, before feeding wild critters research what they can eat first, so we don't
do more harm than good. Thank you. Cindy Murphy, Treasurer
Moose Calving
Season (Early July)
Moose
calving season is well under way, and if you find, or see any new born calves
that appear to be alone or abandon, this is not the case. Please just let them
be, keep an eye on your dogs (if you have any) and do not interfere. Interference
may result in the Mother cow just giving up, and really abandon the new born.
We currently have twin moose calves taking up camp in our front yard, and the
twins show the (classic) signs of being orphans. We did see them with their Mother,
but for that past few days, the moose twins are alone and just resting in the
tree line. After some research with the Idaho Fish and Game, it turns out that,
shortly after birth, the Mother cow will lick then clean of all scents, and then
"stash" their new born in a safe place so that Mother can leave (including
her body scent) the general area to feed, and hopefully keep the predators at
bay as well. The Mother cow will sometimes return (at night) to nurse them, and
then leave for a day or two again. Within a week or two, she will return for her
new born to make their way back into the deep woods for their new endeavors.
Thanks,
Steve Debbie and Justin Lane.
