Early results in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) research into why the moose herd has declined dramatically in the last decade, it appears that the growth of the state’s wolf pack is having a negative impact.
The decline of the moose population prompted the DNR to close the moose hunting season until they get to the bottom of why the moose herd had declined from a high of 8,800 in 2006 to just 2,760 in January of 2013.
Wildlife researchers tranquilized 111 moose in January and February and collared them with GPS trackers and transmitters. This was done in an effort to determine the cause of the sharp decline in the huge mammal that has become synonymous with the rugged northeastern portion of the state.
Of the 111 that were collared, four died due to stresses of being tranquilized and released.
“Any moose that dies within two weeks of capture is automatically counted as a capture-related mortality,” said Erika Butler, DNR veterinarian in charge of the moose mortality program.
Two of the moose that died after being collared had lower-than-usual body fat in what had been a fairly normal, if not mild, winter in moose country.
Two other moose perished due to wolf attacks.
Seth Moore, director of biology and environment for the Grand Portage Band of Minnesota Chippewa, said the winter in far northern Minnesota has seen below-average snowfall and about normal temperatures. Moose, which are perfectly adapted for deep snow and low temperatures, should have come through winter without major problems.
So far, one of his moose has died, and investigators found a surprising cause.
“It was clear that wolves killed it. The site was just decimated from the struggle ... blood everywhere, trees knocked down. But when we got to looking in the lungs, they were just full of bright-green pneumonia,’ Moore said. “This was a health-compromised animal that wolves got to.”
While early indications from the DNR research are inconclusive, wolves seem to play a role in the death of Minnesota moose.
As an antecdote, some Twin Cities legislators are being pressured to cancel wolf hunting in Minnesota.
If predation is a major cause for a declining moose herd, careful balanced management of the wolf pack is essential.
Keith Hansen
Comments (30)
Add commentThat seems to be a big leap
That seems to be a big leap based on this inconclusive report.
Really Eyolf???
You read the article and that's what you got from it.
Hanson's an Idiot
So now being a republican means misreading scientific studys. Oh thats right republicans hate science. Hurry back to Kansas Hanson you suck.
Wow--this is really a stretch for an editor!
Huge reach to an unsupported set of conclusions by Hanson here!
It would be really nice to see the editor of the paper actually talk to someone with direct knowledge of this study--THEN write his piece.
Just 2 of 111 were killed by wolves--and it's still unknown if they were dead on their feet due to other issues already. Predators target the weak!
It's like blaming cars for the deaths of terminally ill cancer patients because the first couple you were following in a study were killed in a car crash.
Keith
Good article. I cant figure what the cry babies are whining about with what you wrote. Do wolves play a role in the moose population?? Ah Yes. I didnt see anywhere in there where you want to shoot all the wolves?? (careful balanced management)
eyolf You dont want to manage wolves but you want to manage guns & just about everything else ehh?? I'm a betting if a wolf took a bite out of you it would spit you out.
corny
YOU ARE THE IDIOT
eyolf
I like your Pictures you are a true democrat you vote twice!!!
The more people screw with
The more people screw with nature, the more it will be screwed up.
Wolf anybody who watches cars
Wolf anybody who watches cars go around in a circle is an idiot.
We had
Wolves in 2006 when the numbers where high, so by reading the article it would seem that approx. 6000 were killed by wolves since then? what happened the years prior to 2006 if the numbers are true we must have had a lot of moose. You know what they say about people/organizations that use numbers to try to prove a point.
Cornfed, are Cappies fiance'?
Cornfed, are you Cappies fiance'? You two boys have the exact same IQ.
missionary
About 140 how bout you. It got me a Masters of Science degree and a great career.
corny
Living on the government getting union money for nothing.
Anyone with
An IQ of 140 wouldn't sound as stupid or degrading as you have there corndog
eyolf
I didn't say anything about you being a women ! Stop being a democRAT and trying to turn this in to racist . You are right we would be in good hands if we got rid of the racist democrats like you .
eyolf
I saw your allstate Hoe policy that says it all
BTW Mr/Mrs 140 IQ
Studys is spelt studies in the plural form, how's that masters treating you? Bring on the English lesson haters...
eyolf
Is that why you vote twice? I never got pwned but you got punked cause you are one.
eyolf
If you believe in God how can you be a democrat They want God out of sight, Abortions,They want the government in control not God. So tell us more lies that you believe.
People! People, Please,
don't get down on a cornfed slacker and his two boyfriends. Soon their (we won't waste time on Gay Marriage Baloney) lefter politicians will make it legal for all three, And their pets, to be joined in matrimony
pwned eyolf
1st according too you I own you so be quite.
2nd I voted LEGALLY In every president election except when I was in basic training. I never voted twice nor will I .
3RD YOU WRONG AGAIN
4TH YOU ARE JUST AS GUILTY AS I am. it is our country .
5th you know nothing about Christian or god
6th Pee Wee are you ------ serious PEE WEE
WHAT MORE NEEDS TO BE SAID ( HOW OLD ARE YOU 12 TEARS OLD?? )
YOU NEED HELP
eyolf
I'm sorry but I work and don't always have time too, unlike you who lives off the system.Plus I served over 12 years. Something you wouldn't know. ( you only care about your worthless self) The only one telling people how to live is the New democrats ( the old ones worked, and farmed something you know nothing about) Look at NY. (no sugar, Pop, ect ,Obama (new school lunches ,no guns,$5.00 a gallon gas, ECT)
.Jesus said a lot of things you leftist twist to fit what you want at that time. People need to be able to take care of themselves, not live off the government.(Children having babies to get a pay check.) FREE CELL PHONES, FREE HEAT .
How much of MN. welfare $ are being spent in the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Illinois, Ect..
Why is it that someone who works makes less then someone who doesn't ??