Researchers want public's help in studying moose

University of Minnesota, Duluth researchers have set up a new Web site to enlist the public's help in tracking the state's moose population.

The number of moose in northwestern Minnesota has already declined from several thousand to perhaps 100 animals.

There could be 7,000 still in the northeastern part of the state, but researcher Ron Moen says there are indications that population may be set for a decline as well.

Moen says reports from the public can better establish moose distribution in Minnesota and provide information on the herd's health.

"There's a lot of people out there that are interested in moose, and we thought we'd try to take advantage of that," said Moen.

UMD set up the new Web Site, http://www.nrri.umn.edu/moose/, where the public can report moose sightings.