Hunter wants to see elusive white moose protected across N.L.

A Ship Cove, N.L., man wants to see more protection for the elusive white moose, an exceedingly rare sight on an island brimming with the species.

White or piebald moose technically have albinism, and present with pink skin and a white coat that's generally spackled with darker spots.

Sam Jesso says there are fewer than 20 in all of Newfoundland and Labrador, but despite a ban on hunting the creatures in the Port au Port Peninsula region, they've still been shot and killed at the hands of harvesters in other parts of the island.

"The piebald is almost between a pinto and appaloosa horse," Jesso said. "They're beautiful animals."

To the Mi'kmaq, the piebald and other albino animals are just as sacred as the eagle.

They're "very special, very secret" animals, Jesso says.

"There's always going to be moose meat available in other colours for us to eat," he said.

Jesso thinks the ban on piebald moose should be printed loud and clear on hunting licences, and fines increased for those who violate it.

He worries relaxed enforcement could send the piebald moose the way of other large herbivores that once roamed the area.

"The same people with the same attitude will kill off all the white moose, just like we killed off the caribou," he said.

LISTEN: Sam Jessothinks government can do more to protect an animal many see as sacred:

CBC Newfoundland Morning7:11A Port au Port Peninsula man says the white moose needs more protection

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture refused an interview on piebald moose restrictions.

"The department can certainly work to increase awareness of the prohibition on hunting white moose in Moose Management Area 43 via social media, as well as the annual Hunting and Trapping Guide. These would be the most publicly accessible and effective tools we have for sharing important information," said spokesperson Linda Skinner in an emailed statement.

"Current penalties upon conviction for any offence related to moose or caribou are considered a strong deterrent to illegal activity."

The department said anyone convicted of an offence related to hunting moose or caribou may face a fine of up to $3,000 or a month in prison and could be permanently banned from holding a big game licence. In some circumstances, firearms and vehicles could also be seized.

Skinner wrote that most piebald moose reports come from the Port au Port region, where a ban remains in place.

"We're hoping that the government will step in and up the fines," Jesso said.

"You need to let people know that these animals are sacred to the people, the Port au Port Peninsula and the majority of people want to see it protected and spared."

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