Su Valley moose numbers down

Recent counts by biologists confirm the concerns of hunters and other observers that moose numbers are sharply down in parts of the Susitna valley, says the Anchorage Daily News. The counts covered parts of GMUs 14A, 16A and 16B. Biologists suspect heavy snows in the upper Susitna Valley and declining habitat has been at least part of the problem. Observers report substantial numbers of predators in parts of the area as well, and they have undoubtedly contributed to the decline in some areas. Calf / cow ratios are low, lending additional weight to this concern.