DNR and Marquette Police Department successfully relocate Presque Isle Park moose

A young bull moose was successfully relocated from Presque Isle Park in Marquette on Friday morning through the joint efforts of the Department of Natural Resources and City of Marquette. ''We were receiving calls regarding traffic and public safety concerns at the park, due to people wanting to see the moose and in some cases, getting close enough to touch it,'' said Detective Lieutenant Mike Wasie of the Marquette Police Department. ''This presented a clear public safety hazard, leading us to request assistance from DNR wildlife professionals in relocating the animal.'' A team of approximately 12 DNR staff from the Wildlife and Law Enforcement divisions joined city police officers and city parks and recreation staff at 6:30 a.m. to attempt the relocation. City police officers and park staff had previously closed the park's entrance, cleared the island of early morning visitors, and located the moose near the old Shiras Pool. DNR wildlife biologists administered a tranquilizer dart, and within three minutes the moose was immobilized. The moose was then safely loaded into a truck and transported to state land with good moose habitat north of Marquette. ''Within an hour of darting it, the moose was up and walking in the woods,'' said DNR wildlife biologist Brian Roell. ''The entire process couldn't have gone any smoother both for the moose and the personnel involved. There are many factors to consider when relocating a large animal like a moose, including hot weather, health of the animal and location. Fortunately, with the cooperation of all involved agencies, everything came together this morning and it went off without a hitch.'' City police and DNR wildlife staff had been monitoring the moose throughout the past two weeks and working to ensure public safety by closing the park at times, posting signs and making media announcements asking people not to approach the animal. Despite those efforts, park visitors continued to get within close proximity of the moose, creating a potential public safety hazard and causing stress to the animal. For more information about moose in Michigan, go to www.michigan.gov/moose. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan. gov/dnr. Copyright © 2011 State of Michigan Published: Thu, Aug 18, 2011