NEW YORK (WRGB) — NYSDEC has euthanized the bull moose on the Goodman Mountain Trail, in Tupper Lake, after “a significant decline in its health was confirmed.”
The moose, first spotted near the summit in May, had reportedly been tolerating close human presence, which prompted DEC to temporarily close the trail for public safety and the animal’s protection.
NYSDEC, along with the New York State wildlife veterinarian monitored the moose throughout the summer using trail cameras and site visits, at which time they observed a progressive decline in the moose’s condition and delayed response to humans.
DEC closely monitors the moose population across the Adirondack region to understand overall moose health, including the presence of underlying diseases that may impact New York’s moose population,” said Jacqueline Lendrum, DEC Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. “Following a thorough assessment, DEC experts made the difficult decision to euthanize the moose due to its deteriorating condition and low likelihood of survival.
On August 6, the biologists and the state’s veterinarian noted severe emaciation and advanced signs of disease, leading to the decision to euthanize the moose.
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The moose’s health had clearly deteriorated over time,” Dr. Jennifer Bloodgood, Assistant Professor of Practice at the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, said. “Performing a necropsy will help us to understand the cause of the decline and give us more information on threats to moose health in New York State.
DEC plans to conduct a post-mortem necropsy to determine the potential cause of the moose’s health issues and share findings as they become available. The Goodman Mountain Trail will remain closed while DEC completes a study of the area and continue to patrol the area, and the public will be updated once the trail is reopened.