Biologists say moose herds across parts of northern New England are facing a new challenge with ticks because of recent warmer winters.
They believe the milder weather has helped increase the populations of a tick species that can cover large moose with an estimated 150,000 ticks, about half of which can grow to the size of a grape.
Vermont moose biologist Cedric Alexander says the ticks could be contributing to a decline in the reproduction rates and general health of the state's moose population, estimated now at about 3,000 animals.
The problem also has been reported in southern Maine, although it's not as much of a challenge in northern Maine where it's colder.