The moose varies from dark brown, almost black, to grayish or lighter brown. From the throat hangs a pendant of fur-covered skin called a dewlap (or bell) up to 35 cm long that decreases in length with age. The neck is short, the head heavy and compact and the nose extends over a long flexible overhanging upper lip. They are low-rumped with slim hindquarters and a well-haired stubby tail 5 -12 cm long. Front legs are very long and body is deep at the shoulder, giving it a humped appearance. Legs are long and slim, ending in cloven hooves. ![]() Moose are the largest member of the deer family. ![]() If you have a question about the weird and wild animal world, tweet me, leave me a note or photo in the comments below, or find me on Facebook. Weird Animal Question of the Week answers your questions every Saturday. Even an animal as large and imposing as the North American moose is vulnerable to emerging environmental pressures. So, while they’re not in imminent danger of disappearing, wildlife experts will continue to monitor their populations. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature lists moose as a species of least concern. Summer temperatures in the region have increased 23 percent since 1860. With these high numbers, moose-vehicle collisions are becoming a more frequent problem on the island.Īlaska is “ approaching 200,000 moose and growing,” as warming temperatures have enabled shrubs, which the moose feed upon, to expand northward, says Tim Timmerman, retired wildlife biologist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, in a presentation. Likewise, in Newfoundland, where parasites and predators are scarce, the moose population peaked at 140,000 in the mid-1990s, which prompted an increase in hunting quotas.Īccording to the Newfoundland and Labrador Wildlife Division Department of Environment and Conservation, the moose population now stands at a robust 112,000 (not counting those living in national parks). But in other places, such as Washington State, moose numbers are up. Moose populations are also down throughout southern central Canada. (See video: Ticks Can Kill Moose) Moose En Masse She was calving when she was attacked by wolves but still “got up and left the scene to go 300 meters ” to die, “so this is the complexity we’re dealing with” in analyzing causes of death, says Carstensen. One moose, known as Case 192, was found dead in a watery ditch with tick infestation, brain worm, and liver fluke. (Related: What’s a Ghost Moose? How Ticks Are Killing an Iconic Animal)Ī much larger predator-wolf packs-has been the second highest cause of Minnesota moose deaths, but many moose “killed by wolves had predisposing conditions that made them more susceptible,” including parasites, disease, and injuries, says Michelle Carstensen of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Pete Pekins, a biologist at the University of New Hampshire, cites three years of high tick infestation and high calf mortality as “the best evidence of climate change” impacting moose. Parasites, however, are highest on the list of culprits for declining moose numbers-including the brain worm, which causes debilitation, erratic behavior, and death and blood-draining winter ticks, whose numbers have been boosted by warmer, shorter winters. Unfazed by our human idea of borders, they disperse to where conditions are better, preferring to browse on young forest growth. ![]() How do you explain that? Well, moose colonize new areas,” says Lee Kantar, moose biologist with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in Maine, which shares a state line with New Hampshire that moose routinely cross. “Minnesota has a decline North Dakota has an increase. ![]() Like this wide-ranging animal itself, the moose story is all over the map. The troublesome news prompted Weird Animal Question of the Week to attend the 50th North American Moose Conference Workshop and 8th International Moose Symposium in Brandon, Manitoba, chaired by Crichton, to find out, Should we be worried about North American moose?
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