Sammi Shimota – Keep Calm and Mooz On: The Obsticles Moose Must Overcome to Survive in Minnesota (And How We Can Help!)

Sammi Shimota is a passionate early-career wildlife biologist in northern Minnesota and has spent the last 4+ years studying the wolves, moose, and deer populations within the 1854 Ceded Territory. A once happy and healthy population, the mooz (moose) of northern Minnesota took a major blow when over half of the population perished between 2006 and 2013. A combination of factors were found to be the cause of this decline- including parasites, climate change, and predation. The moose population has remained steady since 2014 but continues to face degraded habitat, brainworm, climate change, and the persistent pressure of predation. Will the moose population ever grow to what it once was? What work is currently being done by researchers to aid the moose, and what can you do to help them too? This presentation will be held at the Chik-Wauk Nature Center. All presentations are family-friendly and free to the public. Donations are always appreciated. Take your time driving up the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway! Presentations are sponsored by Visit Cook County and the GTHS Gift Club!