For over a decade, my wife and I would spend a week at a cabin north of Grand Marais. Until about 5 years ago, viewing moose was something we could always count on. We haven’t made a point of looking for moose in about 5 years. The numbers up there have dwindled to the point of closing the Moose hunting season in 2013. While the DNR has posited causes such as: brain diseases and of course made efforts to attribute climate change, locals that I’m friendly with point to increased wolf populations, a cause the DNR has avoided acknowledging.
Having seen numerous moose up close, they are huge, obviously powerful animals. Could the increased wolf population really be the problem? I chalked the idea up to 50/50.
Then I watched this. http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/outdoors/4342376-drone-video-captures-wolf-attacking-moose
Pretty amazing video of a single wolf attacking a moose. Despite the size difference, that single wolf is pretty formidable. If an entire pack joined in, I don’t like the chances of the moose. If the moose is a calf, separated from mother for a few minutes, I give the calf no chance.
Here’s a good article from last winter discussing the issues. http://www.startribune.com/moose-populations-the-thick-and-thin-of-it/412741063/
Looking at the DNR’s website, I don’t believe they are attempting to address the Moose decline issue. Rather than acknowledge causes, the are still researching…
Disclaimer… I fully understand that the DNR gets its marching orders from the Commissioner, appointed by the Governor. That Commissioner serves at the pleasure of the Governor and carries out the administration’s agenda as a condition of employment. There is no room for policies that appose agenda. That being said, when I say “DNR”, I don’t mean rank and file DNR employees.
