NW Minnesota's Moose Nearly Gone; NE Populations On Track To Vanish w/i 20 Years

[hatrack]

The once-thriving moose population in northwestern Minnesota has all but disappeared, and the remaining population in the state's northeastern region is on pace to die out in as soon as 20 years, but no one knows why.

The state's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is undertaking critical new steps to protect the moose and possibly solve the mystery of their decline. The estimated moose population of 4,200 is nearly half the size it was in 2006. Adult moose are dropping dead, and the survival rate for calves is poor.

Last month, the DNR proposed classifying the animal as a "species of special concern," the initial step toward endangerment status. It's an important change, though it wouldn't stop moose hunting. The DNR says the crisis doesn't warrant a hunting ban but could in the future. Its management plan calls for ban if the bull-to-cow rate drops below 67 bulls per 100 cows for three consecutive years.

Lawmakers are expected to debate the matter, too. Because of a strong, bipartisan hunting faction with members in key leadership positions, Minnesotans advocating more aggressive policy changes to protect the moose face an uphill battle.

EDIT

http://www.startribune.com/opinion/editorials/187537201.html

[liberal N proud]

1. That is so sad - I have fond memories of travel to NE Minnesota

We stayed in a friend of the family's log cabin. You could only get to it by boat and there was no electricity or running water.

The wildlife was unbelievable, I recall black bear encounters and the moose. I miss going up there.