Monitoring Northern Contaminants in Animals

Donate moose and caribou liver and kidneys to science and you could win a free charter flight!

Studies continue to determine the levels of cadmium, lead, mercury, and other heavy metals in Yukon moose and caribou. Biological samples are needed, and that’s where hunters like you come in (this is a request for assistance only, not a legal requirement).

Samples Wanted

If you have a successful moose or caribou hunt this season, please deliver the following samples to the nearest Environment Yukon office.

• kidney (whole)
  
• liver (about 0.5 kg)
  
• muscle tissue (about 0.5 kg)
  
• incisor bar (front teeth)

Each sample should be put in a clean plastic bag and frozen as soon as possible. Samples from different animals should be put in separate bags.

The results of this study will be available to the public. In 2008–09, we received samples from 103 moose and 95 caribou.

Win a charter flight!

Everyone who brings in a sample will have their name entered into a draw for a free charter flight with Alpine Aviation to a value of $1,000. The draw will take place on February 1, 2010.

How to Collect Biological Samples

The Arctic Caribou and Moose Contaminants Program has produced a short video that shows how to collect biological samples and explains how the information is used. This video was developed as part of the Northern Contaminants Program .