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Moose calls mark Newfoundland anniversary

Newfoundland is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its most famous "come from away": the moose.

On May 14, 1904, four of the animals were introduced from New Brunswick and released at Howley, on Newfoundland's west coast. The moose were brought as a source of meat.

Now with an estimated 120,000 moose on the island, there are more moose in Newfoundland than people in St. John's. The animals have made their home in the woods and even backyards of the province.

"It's a big thing as far as we're concerned because look at how they multiplied and made meals for many, many people," said Jean Kelly of Howley.

Kelly is helping to organize a celebration for the moose, including a new moose statue that will be unveiled in July where the first moose stepped onto the island.

About 20 kilometres away in Reidville, farmer Gerard Beaulieu practises his moose call and proudly displays the head and antlers of the largest moose hunted in Newfoundland.

Beaulieu is pleased the animals have made the province their home but he admits they've been a nuisance at times, eating his strawberries, and plucking cherries, plums and apples from his trees.

"They're not only a nuisance, they're a threat," said RCMP Cpl. Peter Cornick, who patrols the Trans-Canada Highway. "People have struck these moose with their cars and we've had people killed because of it."

Cornick said he loves a moose dinner and like many islanders, he has a soft spot for the gentle giants.

Posted by thinkum at May 15, 2004 11:02 AM