Drought was tough on NH farmers, but good for moose.
Associated Press CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Last year’s drought in New Hampshire was tough on farmers and towns.
But it turns out to have been good for moose.
Preliminary numbers from a project that puts tracking collars on moose show that only one of the calves – the most vulnerable group – died from winter ticks this year.
A year ago, nearly 75 percent of the calves tracked died.
Moose biologist Kristine Rines says many of the blood-sucking ticks died because they were deprived of moisture.
The latest findings come as a state commission prepares to vote Wednesday on a proposed 51 permits for the annual moose hunt, the lowest in nearly 30 years.
Permits have declined, partly because of the impact of parasites, both ticks and brainworm, on moose.
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