The death of a moose that took up residence on the side of Estaire Road in Wanup recently won't be investigated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Residents of the neighbourhood off Highway 69 in the South End of the city had been keeping an eye on the moose cow for several weeks. Because it stuck close to a water body on the side of Estaire Road, barely moving, residents were concerned the moose was sick or injured. Food left for it went untouched.
Eventually, the ministry sent a biologist to check on the animal, who reported the moose appeared to be healthy.
Apparently, it was not. The animal passed away March 15, residents told Sudbury.com. However, MNRF told Sudbury.com there will be no investigation as to the cause of the animal's death.The animal's body remains by the roadside, much to the displeasure of some residents in the area.
MNRF spokesperson Jolanta Kowalski said the ministry will not be removing the moose's body as it is in a fairly remote area south of the city, out of the view of houses and the road, for the most part.
The animal came to the attention of city media last week after residents in the Wanup area expressed concern for the animal, believing the female moose to be suffering from some form of injury or illness due to its lack of movement.
One community member, Maurice Boisvert, said the moose had been in the same 50-foot radius on the side of Estaire Road since March 7, while others speculate the animal arrived closer to Feb 25.
Tracks in the area suggest the moose made its way down the right side of the river bank, before reportedly becoming stuck in the ice sometime on March 7. Residents told Sudbury.com the moose managed to free itself from the ice at some point between Thursday and Friday, and crossed to the other side of the river, where it remained until its passing.
Some residents speculated the animal was elderly due to grey patches around its eyes and nose. It had no other visible markings indicating illness or injury.
Despite reports that the animal was exhibiting normal behaviour, concern for the animal's welfare prompted some residents to approach the animal, offering it apples, carrots and hay, all of which the animal denied.
Sudbury.com contacted Wild at Heart Animal Refuge Centre in Lively to find out more about what could be affecting the animal's behaviour.
Based on statements submitted by residents, the refuge centre suggested the animal may be suffering from "brain worm" a.k.a parelaphostronylosis, symptoms of which include tilting of the head and neck, apparent blindness and walking in small circles.
However, without conducting their own examination of the moose, Wild at Heart Refuge Centre could not confirm whether age, illness or disease was affecting the animal.
