Moose Die-Off Alarms Scientists

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/15/science/earth/something-is-killing-off-the-moose.html?ref=science&_r=0


All across North America, moose are dying at alarming rates and no one has a definite answer. However, climate change is a widely accepted theory in the declining moose population. Moose cant survive in winters where it above 23 F, any higher stresses the animals out because they have to use extra energy to cool down. Another part to this climate change hypothesis is that less snow in fall means a spike in population of winter ticks, a devastating parasite that is causing moose populations to crash in New Hampshire. In British Columbia, pine bark beetles, which thrive in warmer climates, are pushing into moose territory destroying moose habitat. This leaves moose in the open of humans and the natural elements. Since many of the moose die off in the fall, this case needs further study. However, the tick problem is relevant because moose didn't evolve to groom tick off of them. Its up to the people of New Hampshire to decide what to do.