Statistics on Moose Deaths

• 152 moose have been radio-collared in Northwest Minnesota (May 1995 - July 1998).
  • 78 moose have died (~51%)
  • 22 radios have (died) gone off the air (~14%)
• Below is a summary of the cause of these deaths by age: Adults vs. Neonates (calves).
  • Adults: 47 adult cows have died.
    
    A total of 101 cow moose were radio-collared as adults and 47 have died as follows:

37	disease, parasites, and/or starvation
1	accidental death - train or car
4	illegally killed (shot)
5	unknown

• Neonates (calves): 31 neonates have died.
  A total of 51 neonates (calves several days old) were radio-collared and 31 have died as follows:
  
  
  • 15 died during their first 6 months of life due to:
    

• 16 died at 6 months of age or older due to:
  

Blood and tissue samples continue to be analyzed to look for clues and insights into the disease/parasite complex that appears to be causing most of the moose mortality.

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   U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

URL: http://midwest.fws.gov/agassiz/moose.html
Last updated on: February 23, 2000
Minnesota Moose Mystery managers:
Margaret Anderson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Gretchen Mehmel, Minnesota DNR - Wildlife
Questions and comments on this web site: Mike Caucutt