During a 2013-2015 moose mortality study, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources researchers affirmed that predation by wolves/bears and a brain worm transmitted by deer were among several likely causes of the northeast Minnesota moose population decline. Hardly surprising discoveries, but what would the DNR do with this costly “new” information?
Contrary to its findings, the DNR plans to decrease bear hunt permits in order to allow for an increase in the number of bears. Management practices will also be adjusted to increase the deer herd by at least 25 percent in Lake and Cook counties, a decision that will likely lead to an increase in the number of wolves. None of these changes holds promise for a moose population recovery.
The DNR mortality study was terminated by Governor Dayton this spring after too many moose were lost due to procedures used by researchers. Collared calves were abandoned by their mothers and several adult moose, some carrying fetuses, had to be euthanized because of a capture-related reaction called myopathy.
It appears that the DNR will further hasten moose population decline by adopting these counterintuitive management practices.
Bob LaMettry
Grand Marais
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