Scientists Find Out Why Moose Population's Slipping

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Scientists are trying to figure out why the moose population in Minnesota has gone down as much as 65 percent.

The answers aren't good news.

The Minnesota DNR captured 49 moose calves and fitted them with GPS transmitter collars. Days after finishing their work, 22 of the newborn moose had already died.

The DNR said most were killed by bears and wolves.

A University of Minnesota Duluth researcher said the moose population can thrive with only 40 percent of calves surviving.

But moose calf survival has dropped below 30 percent in recent years.