Minnesota Cancels Moose Hunting as Population Plummets
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota officials are canceling the state’s
moose hunting season because of a sharp decline in the moose
population. Department of Natural Resources officials say their
annual aerial survey to estimate the moose population was
“extremely disappointing,” at about 2,760 animals. Minnesota’s
moose population was estimated at a little more than 4,200 in
last winter’s survey. That number was already down by half from
2006. Researchers are studying why one of Minnesota’s signature
animals is dwindling. Scientists think warmer weather, parasites
and disease are contributing factors. (Copyright 2013 by The
Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)