Maine Fisheries & Wildlife officials report that the number of winter ticks found on adult moose killed during the 2023 fall hunt was lower than in many previous years, which could mean a higher survival rate for the state’s moose calves. If this proves correct, it would mark the second consecutive year of high calf survivorship.

Last winter (2022-23) biologists reported that only 2 of the 70 calves monitored were killed by winter tick infestation. Compare that to the deadly winter of 2021-22, when 60 or 70 calves succumbed to tick infestation.

This is the 11th year of the calf-monitoring study in Maine.