Moose Moms Hit the Road

Moose about to give birth find strength in numbers--of humans

• Hannah Schardt
• Feb 01, 2008

WHEN MOOSE in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are about to give birth, they seek out safety in a surprising place: close to humans. Researchers with the Wildlife Conservation Society found that each year for the past decade, pregnant moose in and around the national park have moved closer to roads and other infrastructure to deliver their young. Brown bears can prey heavily on moose calves but are notoriously road-shy, which makes pavement appealing to moose moms. According to the study's author, biologist Joel Berger, the research demonstrates that wildlife living in national parks may be profoundly affected by the presence of humans.