Four moose released in 1904 reshaped Newfoundland's forests

In 1904, Newfoundland released four moose to attract hunters, leading to a population that later reached 200,000 and reshaped the island's forests.

By the late 1950s, the moose population grew to between 150,000 and 200,000 due to abundant food, no natural predators, and the extinction of the Newfoundland wolf around 1930.

Overbrowsing by moose altered forest composition, reducing favoured tree species and impacting ecosystem health and public safety.

The 2022-2026 Moose Management Plan uses science to balance moose numbers with forest health, safety, and long-term ecosystem sustainability.