Moose

Winter ticks wiped out nearly 90% of the moose calves scientists tracked in part of Maine last year | Maine Public

Winter ticks wiped out nearly 90% of the moose calves scientists tracked in part of Maine last year | Maine Public

Maine is home to the largest moose population in the lower 48 states. But in one of the moosiest corners of the state, nearly 90% of the calves tracked by biologists last winter didn’t survive their first year.

And the culprit? A tiny critter that is thriving in parts of Maine as the climate warms.

This story is part of our series "Climate Driven: A deep dive into Maine's response, one county at a time." Deep Dive Climate Driven

“You look at one data sheet after another of what we found in the woods on these moose and it’s the same profile every time: it is winter tick,” said Lee Kantar, the lead moose biologist with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Winter ticks, which are sometimes called moose ticks, have been pestering Maine moose for about a century and likely longer. But their numbers have exploded in parts of Maine, New Hampshire, Minnesota and southern Canada. It’s not uncommon for biologists or hunters to find moose infested with 40,000, 75,000 or even 90,000 ticks. Some infested moose rub themselves virtually bald trying to scrape off the irritating ticks, creating the phenomenon known as “ghost moose.”

Indian Lake hosts moose festivities – Sun Community News & Printing

Indian Lake hosts moose festivities – Sun Community News & Printing

September is rolling up and that means peak Fall foliage.

But for the town of Indian Lake, September does not only bring hopes of tourism through the fiery colors swathed upon the mountains.

During the weekend of Sept. 28 and 29, the town hopes to bring travelers and moose lovers to possibly glimpse a view of the once elusive animal at the Great Adirondack Moose Festival.

The half-ton mammal is making a come-back in the Adirondacks. According to New York State Department of Conservation, in a study during January 2019, there were 83 groups of one or more moose found living in New York in an aerial survey.

When The Great Adirondack Moose Festival or GAMF kicks off in the last week of September, chances of spotting one, during the fall mating season when the mammal travels widely in search of a mate, make the festival that much more enticing.

In the center of the Adirondack Park, throughout the town of Indian Lake, moose themed programs will abound during the weekend of Sept. 28-29. The event is New York’s first-ever moose themed festival, offering visitors of all ages a unique Adirondack experience.

6 moose killed in three-day period

DEC: 6 moose killed in three-day period

"The state Department of Environmental Conservation is urging motorists to be wary of moose and use β€œextreme caution” while navigating roadways this month. At least four of the animals have been struck by motor vehicles between Sept. 29 and Oct. 1, said the DEC. 'The uptick can be attributed to breeding season, said DEC Region 5 Wildlife Manager Paul Jensen."

Three moose/motor vehicle collisions reported in Adirondacks this past weekend

Three moose/motor vehicle collisions reported in Adirondacks this past weekend

"Motorists should be alert for moose on roadways in the Adirondacks and surrounding areas at this time of year, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said this week."

"This past weekend three moose-vehicle accidents were reported resulting in the death of the moose in each collision," DEC said. The exact locations of the accidents were not disclosed. "

"New York at this point has not yet had any human fatalities resulting from an accident with a moose. However, fatalities have occurred elsewhere where moose are found."