ARE MOOSE POPULATIONS IN THE NORTHEAST ON THE DECLINE?
Moose populations in the northeast have been on the decline for years, but this winter brought more winter ticks than ever before. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in Maine were so concerned with the parasites’ effect on moose populations, that they have decreased the number of permits for the 2014 fall hunts from 4,085 to 3,095. That’s a 25% cut. Winter ticks attack all hoofed animals, but generally target moose. They can grow to nearly a half inch in size during their adult stage, reached mid-winter. Although they thrive in the winter months, they prefer warmer weather. Naturally, global warming is being cited…