Seven cow moose were darted and captured in the East Cabinet study area south of Libby last week and fitted with radio collars. 

According to Fish, Wildlife and Parks Research Technician Jesse Newby, biologists are looking at disease load, other measures of animal health, reproductive rates and calf survival for the collared moose.

This brings the total to 16 moose that are radio-collared in the East Cabinets area.

The East Cabinets consistently provide hunter harvest of 15 to 25 moose annually. Concerns include disease, parasites, predation, lack of logging and subsequent poor habitat.

“This is the continuation of a long-term research effort to learn more about Montana moose ecology,” Region One Wildlife Manager Jim Williams said in a news release. “Another important aspect of the work is to refine our moose survey techniques to better reflect moose population trends.”

Fish, Wildlife and Parks contracted with Quicksilver, a helicopter-based team from Alaska, to capture the moose.  Plum Creek Timber Inc. provided a helicopter to help spot moose for the Quicksilver team.

“Good wildlife and good forest management often go hand in hand,” Plum Creek biologist Lorin Hicks said. “We share a common goal to find out more about how moose use forested habitats.”

Fish, Wildlife and Parks is conducting the moose study in light of decreasing moose populations and declining hunter opportunity.

Biologists are working to capture additional moose in two other study areas: the Big Hole and the East Front of the Rockies.