Preliminary results of moose mortality research currently being performed by the Minnesota DNR are showing catastrophically high mortality rates among calves and adults, and by far the primary cause of mortality among both age classes has been shown to be predation by timber wolves.
DNR biologists seem surprised by this but they shouldn’t be. Research into similar declines in moose populations elsewhere in North America, notably Alaska, have documented almost exactly the same results. Management (not the elimination) of wolves and bear instituted in Alaska on wildlife management units based on this research has been documented to restore declining moose populations, maximizing biodiversity, benefiting the public, the moose and predator species in the long run.
I urge everyone who is concerned about Minnesota wildlife and the future of our moose herd to check out these websites: . www.adfg.alaska.gov/index. cfm?adfg=intensivemanagement.main . www.adfg.alaska.gov/index. cfm?adfg=intensivemanagement.video
The principles of moose management learned and successfully applied in Alaska are applicable here. By applying them we can have healthy, stable, sustainable populations of both moose and wolves that will benefit the general public and the Minnesota tourist industry.
John Fisher
Cook, MN
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