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CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, along with researchers at the University of Wyoming, are studying the health of the moose population in the Snowy Range.
The Casper Star-Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/1bQdQ24 ) biologists recently darted 30 cow moose from a helicopter, drew blood, measured body fat and affixed a radio collar to each animal. The study is aimed at learning the nutritional and habitat uses of the moose and determining body fat condition and calving rates.
Habitats in the Snowy Range have changed dramatically due to the mountain pine beetle epidemic, and the study will help biologists learn how the moose use their habitat and whether the beetle-killed forests are providing sufficient nutrition for their survival.
Most of the captured moose were pregnant and showed good body fat for late winter.
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Information from: Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune, http://www.trib.com
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