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Moose Population Continues Decline In NE Minn.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The moose population in northeastern Minnesota continues to decline.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says based on an aerial survey conducted in January, wildlife researchers estimate there are 4,900 moose in northeastern Minnesota. That's down from last year's estimate of 5,500 moose.

The moose survey also finds the proportion of cows accompanied by calves continued a 14-year decline, dropping to a record low of 24 calves per 100 cows. The proportion of cows accompanied by twin calves was at the lowest level since 1999, and that contributed to the record low calf-to-cow ratio.

Reasons for the declining moose population are not well understood, but researchers suspect increasingly warmer weather is a factor.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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