Majestic moose is our responsibility

Re Can the mighty moose survive its tiny

tormentors? Feb. 20 It is sad to read about the decline of an animal that is central to the Canadian identity, due to climate change, tick infestations and habitat fragmentation. This report on the dwindling populations of moose across Canada and Minnesota helps because it’s better to be proactive rather than reactive in conservation.

Species’ declines can be unpredictable and steep, and the obstacles of steering a population away from extinction once the decline occurs are daunting.

The moose is listed as an animal of least concern according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, but the downward trajectory of its population could change this status in the future.

It is not fair for the moose to pay the ultimate price for our short-sighted practices, which include increasing greenhouse gas emissions, logging and hunting.

Dennis Murray is hopeful for now, but he predicts grave climatic conditions in Ontario within 70 years. Rather than preparing for the worst, we should as a society be preventing the worst through action. Actions such as combating climate change from a personal to a federal level, monitoring “ghost moose,” and exposing and punishing illegal hunters.

These steps must continue to be strictly enforced by law and supported by local communities. It is our responsibility to keep these majestic moose roaming free. Achini De Silva, Hamilton