“`html
Anchorage, Alaska – May 16, 2024 – A mother moose recently gave birth to twins in the parking lot of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) hospital in Anchorage, marking a rare and increasingly common occurrence as wildlife encounters with humans rise across the state. The incident highlights the growing challenges of urban wildlife management and the impact of environmental changes on animal behavior.
Watch now: Giant snails invading New York City?
While seemingly unusual, this event is part of a broader trend. Rapid urbanization, a growing human population – Alaska’s population reached 733,391 in 2023 according to the U.S. census Bureau – and climate-related disruptions such as wildfires, prolonged droughts, and food scarcity are driving wild animals into closer proximity with people. This is especially noticeable in areas like Anchorage, where moose are frequently observed in residential neighborhoods and near major infrastructure.
These encounters, though sometimes appearing benign, pose risks to both humans and animals.A protective mother moose, weighing between 800-1600 pounds, can become aggressively defensive if she perceives a threat to her calves. Repeated exposure to populated areas also increases the likelihood of vehicle collisions and other conflicts, with an estimated 200 moose-vehicle collisions occurring annually in the Anchorage area alone, according to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities.
The ANTHC incident underscores how human-induced environmental changes are forcing even large mammals like moose to adapt in unexpected and potentially perilous ways. Changes in vegetation due to warmer temperatures and altered precipitation patterns are impacting moose foraging habits, potentially leading them to seek food sources in urban environments.
What’s being done about moose birth sightings?
The alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is actively monitoring wildlife movement and distribution through telemetry studies and public reporting. ADF&G wildlife biologist, Kim susee, leads the Anchorage moose management program and emphasizes the importance of public education. The department provides resources on safe coexistence, including guidelines on how to react to moose encounters.
In situations like the ANTHC birth, wildlife officials generally adopt a “hands-off” approach unless there is an immediate threat to public safety. ADF&G advises individuals to maintain a safe distance – at least 25 feet – from moose and their calves, and to slowly back away while avoiding direct eye contact. Reporting moose sightings in populated areas to ADF&G at 1-800-478-3322 helps the department track animal movements and respond to potential conflicts.
Long-term solutions focus on mitigating the underlying causes of wildlife-human conflict.