Cottage Q&A
Question
Last spring, we noticed a large, semi-submerged dead moose decaying in the river that flows into our lake. The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) would not remove it. By summer, there was no sign of it. We swim in, shower with, and even drink the water. Is it posing any threat to us, and what could we have done to remove the moose and reduce our risk?
Jane Kelley, Round Lake, Ont.
Answer
Any time you have a piece of rotting meat that weighs as much as 600 kg sitting in your water supply, it could affect your water quality. In addition to pathogens accumulating on the dead beast, there’s also the danger that the moose is carrying potentially deadly bacteria, such as E. coli or salmonella, which may have caused its death. David Brown, program manager of environmental health for North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, says there’s a great deal of naivety among cottagers about the quality of their water. “Don’t think the water is 100 per cent,” says Brown. “Water supplies are easily contaminated. Sometimes you see the animal and sometimes you don’t.” This is why he recommends everyone test their water regularly and have a “fairly robust” water-treatment system with filtration for inorganic particles and micro-organisms.
Brown also recommends cottagers remove a carcass as soon as they find it. Will anyone move it for you? The MNR, as you’ve discovered, no longer provides this service, so check with your local township for its policy. While municipalities have no jurisdiction over waterways, they might assist out of concern for local welfare – particularly if there are health risks, says Sara Brown, director of physical services for the town of Huntsville. “We would assess the situation and if it were relatively simple we would try to help,” Brown says. Many animal control services will also remove the animal, for as little as $125. Philip Gearing, owner of Muskoka Wildlife Control in Bracebridge, who spends part of every spring removing dead animals from properties, says he typically removes carcasses from the water by placing a large plastic garbage can with ropes attached and holes cut in the bottom, behind the animal. As the container is pulled forward, the animal (or part of it) will “fold into” the cylinder. If the moose is large, Gearing adds, it might have to be cut into more manageable pieces. And, as one might guess with such a task, he tells us “you get a pretty nasty stink.” It’s a good idea to have nose plugs or, ideally, a respirator on hand. He also recommends wearing rubber gloves and eye protection. Bury the animal as deep as you can, with at least 30 cm of soil on top to contain the odour.
Steve Brearton
Published in the March 2007 issue of Cottage Life.
