"An Act relating to control of nuisance moose."

Moose are a highly valued asset of the State of Alaska and to all Alaskans. Preventing the unnecessary loss of moose to vehicle accidents should be a priority of the State. Protecting the public safety and managing moose for sustained yield for all Alaskans are responsibilities of the Legislature.

Unfortunately, in the more urban areas of the state, their interactions with humans pose a significant risk to the health and safety of both moose and humans. Six hundred moose and two to three people are killed each year in moose/vehicle collisions. Each collision costs $15,000 in substantial vehicle repair costs, costing Alaskans $9 million each year, not counting loss of wages, increased insurance premiums, or medical costs.

Yet, in rural areas where moose are vital to the subsistence lifestyle, the lack of moose has negatively impacted many who live in rural villages.

CS SB 329 (RES) adds a new section to AS 16.05 in order to assure maximum possible translocation of nuisance moose from urban areas of the state to suitable rural areas.

• Instructs the Department of Fish and Game to avoid destruction of nuisance moose if the moose can be relocated to a suitable rural habitat.
• Allows the department to authorize one or more private individuals or groups to relocate nuisance moose to suitable habitat if the commissioner finds that the individual or group is qualified to relocate the moose without undue danger to the public, themselves, or the moose.
• The group relocating the moose shall cover the costs of relocation.
• The state is protected against liability arising from actions taken by the group.

CS SB 329 is supported by the Alaska Moose Federation, the Department of Fish & Game, the Alaska Board of Game, the Anchorage Police Department, the Anchorage School District, the City of Wasilla, and the Central Kuskokwim Fish and Game Advisory Committee, to name just a few.

I respectfully request your support.

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