Rick Marshall

"I've been here for 25 years and this is the most snow I've seen and for the longest time," said Rick Marshall, a wildlife biologist with the Ministry of Environment.

"If the winter continues along the lines it has so far, there will be a significant decline in the deer population."

Nevertheless, in overall terms, the population is not in grave danger because of a decade of mild winters with relatively low snow accumulation.

"The deer numbers are as high as they have been in 10 years," Marshall said.

He said the effect of the deep snow will be less severe for moose because they are better-adapted to the conditions, but there are other dangers for the large ungulates.

"This year we'll have more moose killed on the railroad tracks."

Marshall estimated the number could be as high 300 to 400 between Smithers and Endako.The tracks run right down the middle of the moose winter range and provide the best footing for the animals, who have been forced to expand their search for good forage.

Other problems include deer getting into livestock feed and creating a hazard for motorists on the highways.Marshall said in one location near Burns Lake, there have been 20 kills recorded to date.

It's too early in the game to know," says Rick Marshall, an MOE wildlife biologist.
...
Marshall flew down to the Entiako protected area in October and found the regular count of 300 to 350 caribou to be in their regular winter range.

It's too early in the game to know," says Rick Marshall an MOE wildlife biologist.
...
Marshall flew down to the Entiako protected area in October and found the regular count of 300 to 350 caribou to be in their regular winter range.

Rick Marshall Wildlife Biologist Bag 5000 - 3726 Alfred Avenue Smithers V0J2N0