Forest loving birds, such as the Hermit Thrush, are staying away from areas damaged by a growing moose population in Gros Morne National Park.
Photo Credit: Matt MacGillivray

Foraging moose drive song birds from national park

The singing birds of Gros Morne National Park, on the west coast of Newfoundland, are not happy these days. An increasing population of foraging moose is changing their forest habitat.

The moose are creating what’s termed a moose meadow, says Ian Warkentin, professor of Environmental Science Biology.

“They are places where there are grasses or ferns … there may be some shrubs but the trees don’t come back,” he said.

The open habitat is pushing out birds that like to live in the upper part of trees, such as the Hermit Thrush and the Back-Throated Green Warbler.

Parks Canada said it is taking steps to help reduce the moose population in the park.

There are an estimated 100-thousand moose in Newfoundland and Labrador.

With files from CBC.

Categories: Environment & Animal Life
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