Moose calf collaring begins

Biologists have begun collaring moose calves in the second phase of a study to determine why Minnesota's moose population is declining so rapidly.

This past winter, researchers attached high-tech GPS collars to more than 100 adult moose. The DNR started putting collars on baby moose last week and are about halfway to their goal of 50.

Department of Natural Resources biologist Glenn DelGiudice said the calves are just a few days old, and researchers can walk up to them.

Three collared calves have already died, one shortly after being collared; two after being abandoned by their mothers. In the adult study, four moose died after being tranquilized and collared. DelGiudice says the risks are necessary to try to prevent the disappearance of moose from northeastern Minnesota.