N.S. government seeks poachers who killed endangered mainland moose

Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources is asking for the public’s help in tracking down the poachers who killed an endangered mainland moose.

The animal’s remains were found in the woods off Highway 101 near Mount Uniacke. The department said the moose had been cut up, the meat removed, and the hide and head left behind.

Government officials said it has been illegal to hunt the endangered mainland moose since 1981, and poaching is a significant factor slowing the recovery of the mainland moose population.

"Poaching is a despicable act that seriously threatens this endangered species and needs to be strongly condemned by all Nova Scotians," said Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill in a statement released Tuesday.

“I encourage anyone with information about illegal hunting to contact Natural Resources."

The government said biologists, wildlife technicians and conservation officers tranquilized the same moose in St. Croix, Hants County on Sept. 30 and set it free near Pockwock, N.S.

They said it was moved for the safety of the animal, drivers and local residents.

The four-year-old, 600-pound animal was last seen alive in the Pockwock area on Thursday.

Not only is it illegal to hunt mainland moose, but the government said the moose would contain residual tranquilizer drugs and is not considered safe to eat.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the toll-free report-a-poacher line at 1-800-565-2224 or send an e-mail to [e-mail].