Moose populations in several parts of Canada and the northern USA are experiencing a marked decline. Officials aren't sure why.

Moose populations in several parts of Canada and the northern USA are experiencing a marked decline. Officials aren't sure why.
Photo Credit: CBC

Moose decline in North America

Several jurisdictions in Canada are handing out fewer licences to hunt moose this year due to a significant decline in numbers.

In south-central Ontario near Alqonquin Park, aerial surveys conducted earlier this year to estimate the number of moose show a double digit decline in some areas of up to 21 per cent since 2012.

Holly Simpson, a wildlife specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry  said the decline in moose is not specific to the region.  “..We’re seeing similar declines in Manitoba, Quebec and Michigan. So there is something happening more broadly, “ she said.

In the US, in addition to Michigan, other US states like Maine, Minnesota, Wisconsin,  North Dakota, moose decline is also a concern.  Since 2006, Minnesota has lost more than half its moose population – from more than 8,000 to 3,450, and in some areas of the state, the animal has virtually disappeared. Officials in Maine have said that warmer winters allow ticks to survive in greater numbers.

Ron Moen at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, suspects climate change. He says there have been unusually warm winters the last few years which could overheat the animals, but the warm temperatures could also favour the spread of disease and parasites like brain worm and ticks.

Minnesota cancelled moose hunts two years ago.

Close up showing a large number of ticks on the neck and flank of a moose in Quebec. the photo shows how the animal has tried to scrape of the parasites and rubbed off large patches of its fur. It addtion to the dnager posed by losing its fur, the bloo-cusking parasites also cause the animal to become anemic, and weak. less able to push through snow and seek food, and easier prey for wolves and bears.
Close up showing a large number of ticks on the neck and flank of a moose in Quebec. the photo shows how the animal has tried to scrape of the parasites and rubbed off large patches of its fur. It addtion to the dnager posed by losing its fur, the bloo-cusking parasites also cause the animal to become anemic, and weak. less able to push through snow and seek food, and easier prey for wolves and bears. © Linda Brochu/Serge Simoneau

In Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources has reduced the number of moose hunting tags by 30 percent this season, although they admit they don’t know if overhunting is a factor in the decline.

Mark Rykman, a wildlife biologist with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters says that’s not the answer. He says limits were introduced years ago and the numbers still haven’t gone up. Last year in the area around Bancroft, some 1000 hunting applications were filed, but only 65 licences were issued.

He would like to see more money invested in finding the reasons for the decline. He says it could be due to disease, ticks, climate change, wolves and bears or any combination.

Ontario: Moose project

Moose and parasites

In west coast British Columbia, moose numbers are down by 70 percent in some areas, especially near clear-cutting zones. In 2014 the province began a five-years study to determine the reason or reasons. Some 200 moose will carry  radio collars and when they die, an investigation will determine cause of death.

The central province of Manitoba has banned moose hunting in several areas of that province.

Quoted in “the Western Producer” farm journal, hunter Brad Mills says,” “I think everybody’s kind of glad that it’s shut off, but at the same time it’s pretty sad that it’s gone to this point where there’s hardly any moose left.”  He added,”We archery hunt elk now in the Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, and in the last eight years I’ve only seen one or two moose in all my time spent in the bush in the provincial park”.

Ken Rebizant, big game manager in Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship’s wildlife branch, said the department has observed drops in moose populations of 50 percent or more in different areas of the province.

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