Isle Royale Forums

I wonder if global warming is also, contributing to the decline in the moose population.

favorite quote, because it sounds so much like something out of the Brothers Grimm: "“When wolves set the table there are many uninvited guests."

The winter study was suspended on February 2nd. Unsafe ice conditions forced the team to return to the mainland. They may return this winter if cold weather returns. Very preliminary observations were that more moose calfs were noticed than last year.

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/ ... 448029007/

jerry wrote: ↑Thu Feb 15, 2024 11:37 am I wonder if global warming is also, contributing to the decline in the moose population.

Not sure. Moose do better in milder winters, but if their numbers get out of hand, and they over-browse, that's not good. I know enough to know that it's complicated.


RE: Grim stories of wolves, this is one of my favorites:

jerry wrote: ↑Thu Feb 15, 2024 11:37 am....I wonder if global warming is also, contributing to the decline in the moose population.

Moose really don't like warm weather. The moose in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (reintroduced in 1985) are at the south edge of their range. Isle Royale may be a bit better for moose, due to the being an island in cold lake Superior. Plus winter ticks, which feed on moose, do better during mild winters. Lot of factors at play here. All this is why the annual winter wolf/moose study is so important.

Reading about Moose in Minnesota and other northern areas, it appears that their numbers are declining.