Country Ecology: Moose and winter ticks

One of the great joys driving the Kanc during fall foliage, or even up on Route 2 north of the White Mountains, is witnessing a moose by the side of the road. The tall, gangly, antlered animals reward any visit to the North Country. And seeing them also has an economical aspect, as wildlife watchers spend an estimated $250 million annually in northern New Hampshire. But now this wild animal is facing problems, and it all has to do with ticks.

Dr. Pete Pekins of the University of New Hampshire puts the current herd at some 4,000 moose, down from 7,500 in the early 2,000s. If these numbers continue falling, the range of New England’s moose is likely to shift farther north. They can’t handle warming trends and if climate change continues, it means a serious change in our moose population.