6/18/2025

UPPER MICHIGAN - Upper Michigan’s Moose population could be in danger, because of a winter tick.  Researchers have been studying the U.P.’s moose population since February and found some moose across the U.P. have lost 25–30% of their coats because of intense grooming caused by itching.  The DNR says coat loss could be fatal because moose rely on it to survive the cold winters.  The DNR has been working with NMU and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community to track moose using electronic collars and thermal-sensing drones.  Researchers are trying to understand what factors impact the moose population, including parasites like winter ticks.  The DNR says it hopes to have results coming in after the first four years of their study.