Wildlife experts discuss plight of Minn. moose
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources hosts a Duluth conference today on troubles with the state's moose herd.
DNR Wildlife Program manager Steve Merchant said moose numbers have plunged in northwest Minnesota, and there are indications the animals are not doing well in northeast Minnesota either.
Merchant said the cause is unknown, but many suspect a link to global warming.
"Moose are a species of the boreal forest. They're on their southern edge of their range here in Minnesota. You know, there's a lot of talk and a lot of implication of climate change that's behind all of this," Merchant said.
Wildlife experts attending the Duluth conference come from the state's tribes, the Department of Natural Resources, the Forest Service and counties.
Merchant said the DNR is looking for ideas on how to best manage moose; and whether the state should reconsider allowing an annual hunt for a species that is clearly in decline.
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