While it's quite rare in Minnesota to see a moose in real life, as they often steer clear of people, but they are still spotted from time to time outside of their normal territory.
New data from the Department of Natural Resources show that researchers are beginning to unravel the mystery of what's killing Minnesota's moose. DNR researchers say preliminary results from following 173 adult moose that were captured and collared from 2013 to 2015 show two-thirds of the 47 that later died succumbed to health problems, while a third were killed by wolves.
Two groups are seeking federal protection for a subspecies of moose found in the Midwest. The Center of Biological Diversity and Honor the Earth say climate change, a changing habitat, disease and other factors have significantly reduced the moose population, down 60 percent in Minnesota alone in the last decade.
With Minnesota's moose population on the decline, conservation groups have teamed up with government agencies in hopes of helping the animals hang on by enhancing the habitat that's critical to their survival.