Use of logged habitats in winter by moose cows with calves in northeastern Ontario

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Abstract
Use of logged areas south of Hearst, Ontario, by moose cows with calves was studied in winter from 1977 to 1979. Cutovers selected averaged 64 ha in early winter and 16 ha in late winter and were most often in lowland areas. Cuts were generally not used until they were at least 18 years old. At least three residual stands of timber were present including one large stand in upland or mesic habitat averaging 42 ha on early winter areas and 107 ha on late winter sites. Basal area of conifers in these stands was 9 m2/ha in early winter sites and 13 m2/ha in late winter sites. Discriminant analysis revealed differences between early winter sites, late winter sites, and locations where the animals were not found based on the size of residual stands, size of cutovers, basal area of small conifers, maximum distance between uncut edges, and average diameter of conifers. Movements between sites were short and substantially reduced as the winter progressed. Moose moved an average of 12 m from cover after the snow reached 65 cm in depth in contrast to in early winter when they usually ranged less than 60 m from cover.

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