DETROIT (AP) — Scientists say Michigan's moose population is growing at a slower rate than usual, and warming temperatures may explain the lag.
The Detroit News reports
that moose numbers in the Upper Peninsula grew about 10 percent annually from 1997 to 2007. Since then, the rate of increase has dropped to 2 percent per year.
In some states, moose populations are actually falling.
Biologists are considering a number of theories, including that the warmer climate has bolstered white-tail deer that carry parasites lethal to moose.
Another is the loss of trees that often provide cover for the animals from natural predators.
