Publication Date October 26, 2016 | The Weather Network

Steep decline in the population of Ontario moose. Here's why

Canada

In a report published on Wednesday, Ontario's environmental commissioner cautioned residents about the rapid decline in the province's moose population over the past ten years -- with many more species facing the same threat.

"One of Ontario’s most important species is the moose. Moose are key forest species in most of Ontario," Dianne Saxe, the province's environmental commissioner, tells the Toronto Star.

Saxe told the publication that the decrease in roadless areas, parasites, and hunting are among the challenges Ontario's moose population faces.

“Climate change is making it worse — moose are exquisitely adapted to cold weather and very poorly adapted for heat," Saxe adds.