FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) - State wildlife officials have closed nearly all moose hunting north of the Brooks Range because of what they call a drastic decline in the population.
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports (https://is.gd/XiEuDW) all moose hunting is closed to non-residents because of a decline of 50 percent to 75 percent since 2011. The only resident hunt will take place in late summer.
Moose surveys conducted last month found the population on the western North Slope declined by 50 percent since 2011. The eastern North Slope decline was 75 percent.
Officials said poor nutrition because of last year’s late spring and poor summer conditions are likely to blame. There were few 10-month calves seen, meaning most born last year died. Officials say wolves preying on weakened moose might also be a factor.
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Information from: Fairbanks (Alaska) Daily News-Miner, https://www.newsminer.com
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