GHOST MOOSE

During the week of October 26, 2020 poachers killed two female moose, one of which was white, northeast of Foleyet on Nova Road near km 18. Under the 1997 Fish & Wildlife Conservation Act it is illegal to kill white moose in Wildlife Management Units 30 and 31. White moose have been protected by the MNRF since 2006. Apparently there are many signs in the area that warn against killing what are also known as Ghost or Spirit moose.

These moose are white due to a recessive gene; they are not albino for their eyes are not pink. Although mostly white in appearance some brown specks become apparent upon closer inspection. This is referred to as piebaldism. I have seen photos of such deer, one in an archival photo from Algonquin Park. No doubt readers have seen piebald horses. For the trivia buff Leucism includes albinism and piebaldism which means a partial loss of pigmentation.

People sympathetic to the moose are attempting to raise $20,000 to offer as a reward for anyone who can identify the poachers. Crime Stoppers (1.800.222. 8477 –TIPS) offers up to $2000.00 for information that leads to an arrest. “You will remain anonymous and not have to testify in court.” Or you can goto P3tips.com.

If no arrest happens by August 2021 the funds will be used for the conservation of the spirit moose through signage and education with the remaining funds being donated to the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Rousseau, Ontario.

AND FINALLY…Headline

Following the escape from jail of a vertically challenged clairvoyant the headline read: “Small Medium at Large”.

Photo – Lasse Dybdahi, Wikimedia.