A Census of Moose on Syncrude’s Leases 17 and 22 During Early February 1977

A total count of moose was attempted on Syncrude Canada Ltd. leases 17 and 22 in February 1977. Transects spaced at 0.4 km intervals were flown with a Hughes 500C helicopter. All seven marked moose known to be present on the area were seen, suggesting 100% observability during the survey. Total numbers of moose observed and likely the total moose population, declined 40% (43 to 26) between February 1976 and February 1977. A disproportionately higher number of moose were present in aspen than in other vegetation types.