Dr. Warren Ballard, Texas Tech. University, coordinated the effort to write and finalize this publication on the moose study that was conducted (1995-2000) in Northwest Minnesota and included Agassiz NWR as one of three study sites.  Other authors included Eric Cox , who died in a plane crash on the last moose survey of the study, Mark Lenarz, MNDNR, Thomas Custer, USGS, Heather Whitlaw, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Terri Barnett, Texas Tech. University, Dennis Murray, University of Idaho, and Todd Fuller, University of Massachusetts.

Summary of study results:

1) We studied the cause of a moose population decline at the southern edge of the species distribution in MN. 2) Pathogens were the most prevalent proximate cause of mortality; deaths due to starvation were also common.  3) Pregnancy rates were among the lowest recorded for moose and evidence of chronic malnutrition was observed. 4) In the past 40 years, summer and winter temperatures increased steadily in the study area and analysis revealed a negative relationship between summer temperature and moose population growth rate. 5) We conclude that climate is acting in tandem with pathogens and chronic malnutrition to cause the population decline in NWMN. 6) We suggest that climate change may prompt a widespread northward shift in the southern distribution of moose in North America.