Wildlife

Moose Welfare and Winter Tick Infestations

Climate change is driving catastrophic winter tick infestations in moose populations across North America.

Key Facts

A single moose can carry over 100,000 winter ticks
Infested moose lose their winter coat rubbing against trees, causing hypothermia
Calf mortality from tick infestations has reached 70% in some populations
Warmer winters prevent tick die-off, increasing infestation severity

Welfare Considerations

Moose suffering from severe tick infestations experience chronic irritation, blood loss leading to anemia, loss of insulating winter coat, and ultimately hypothermia and death. The condition causes prolonged suffering over winter months. Climate-driven range contraction and population declines signal both conservation and welfare crises.

What You Can Do

Support strong climate action to slow range expansion of winter ticks
Donate to moose population monitoring programs
Advocate for hunting quota adjustments to support declining populations
Support wildlife disease research