In much of Alaska, ungulates provide a critical subsistence resource for local residents. As such, there is much concern over and interest in their management. I will compare and contrast the history, ecology, and management of two western Alaska moose populations that have displayed vastly different trends in recent years. On Togiak National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Alaska, moose populations have increased dramatically since the late 1990’s, whereas moose populations on the Seward Peninsula in west-central Alaska have been relatively stable in recent years. I will highlight the many challenges associated with managing ungulates across such large landscapes as those in western Alaska and close with a discussion about recent management actions that have resulted in substantial controversy in Alaska.

Speaker’s Bio
Shawn is the Assistant Unit Leader at the Alaska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, where his work focuses primarily on habitat use and population dynamics of large mammals.