Ticks Cause Moose Decline

When we hear about the decline in population of natures well loved animals, it’s a sad topic for discussion. When we hear that the reason for the decline is partially down to those little disease spreading arachnids called ticks, we feel even more frustrated and upset that this is happening.  These tiny, but mighty beasts are bringing down the not so tiny, but might moose in Vermont. Here’s an article with more information.

How Tiny Ticks And Brainworms Are Bringing Down The Mighty Moose

As Vermont’s moose population continues to decline, state wildlife biologists say a warming climate is behind an explosion in winter ticks and “skyrocketing” levels of brain parasites, both of which are keeping moose mortality high and calving rates low. Faced with a dwindling population and mounting threats, what does the future of moose management—and moose hunting—look like in Vermont?

Ticks have been a threat to moose for some time. Here’s a short film from the National Geographic that was made some years ago addressing the problem. Sadly, it’s still an ongoing battle.

Ticks have a lot to answer for! Disease is the main concern, and with these pests surviving longer, the chances of being bitten by an infected tick is on the rise. Here are some tips on how you can protect yourself from ticks.

‘Tis the season for ticks; seven tips to protect yourself

Before you take advantage of the cooler weather to run outside and venture into nature, you might want to arm yourself with some simple protection tips — starting by wearing insect repellent and using flea and tick control products on pets. Protecting yourself is important because even though tick-borne illnesses are rare in San Diego County, ticks can potentially spread a bunch of diseases, including Lyme disease, tularemia (also known as rabbit fever) and spotted fever illnesses.

Ticks are enjoying their blissful habitat in many parts of the world. Wherever you are, the likelihood that there may be a tick near by is quite high, so do yourself a favor and protect yourself from these critters and their harmful diseases. A moose may not be able to fend for itself against these beasts, but we sure can!