Northeastern Minnesota's moose population continues to decline - Climate not Wolves Blamed.

By Doug Smith Minneapolis Star Tribune February 8, 2010

Northeastern Minnesota's moose population continues to decline, based on the latest aerial survey this winter by the Department of Natural Resources.

Wildlife researchers estimate that there were 5,500 moose in that region of the state. With a 23 percent margin of error, the estimate is not statistically different from last year's estimate of 7,600, but it supports other evidence that the moose population is declining.

"We don't believe the population dropped 2,000 in the past year, but it's indicative that the population is declining and parallels everything else we've been seeing,'' said Mark Lenarz, DNR wildlife researcher. "Our concern continues.''

Lenarz said this is the first year the survey has agreed with other indices showing the decline. The proportion of cows accompanied by calves continued a 13-year decline, dropping to a record low of 28 calves per 100 cows. The bull-to-cow ratio also continued to decline, with an estimated 83 bulls per 100 cows.

Reasons for the decline are uncertain, but researchers believe a warming climate is responsible. "There's more and more evidence suggesting it's related to climate,'' Lenarz said. Warmer temperatures can stress moose and make them susceptible to other diseases and parasites. Mortality from hunting or wolves is not a major factor, Lenarz said.

"Based on the research we did between 2002 and 2008, wolves simply weren't a factor,'' he said. Of the 150 radio-collared moose, 103 died during the study. Just six were clearly the result of wolf kills, Lenarz said. Most died of unknown or cases thought to be from disease or parasites. Nine were killed on highways and two by trains.

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