4 moose released in 1904 became 200,000 and changed Newfoundland forests

More than a century ago, Newfoundland, an island in Canada, introduced just a handful of moose to its forests to create hunting opportunities and provide a reliable source of meat. The animals multiplied into one of the largest moose populations in North America and permanently reshape the island's forests.The story began in 1878, when moose were first brought to the island, and continued in 1904 with the release of four more animals. Over the following decades, the population grew rapidly. With abundant food, almost no natural predators and vast forests to roam, the animals spread across the island much faster than expected.Today, wildlife managers say the moose are an important part of Newfoundland's culture and economy, but they also serve as a reminder of what can happen when a species grows beyond what its habitat can support.