Moose calves die in New Hampshire as ticks feed on them during short winters

[petronius]

1. Well that's gruesome and fascinating

Here's an article from last year, with some (graphic!) pictures and more details on other things stressing the moose population.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/06/150601-ghost-moose-animals-science-new-england-environment/

It's confusing me a bit, though: when I read about the life cycle of the winter tick, it sounds as though they'd be dropping off in spring anyway, to lay eggs, which develop and hatch over the summer. I wonder if the issue is not that they're seeking a second host, but rather than more of the females (and their eggs) are surviving to boost the hatch at the end of summer, and thus a more devastating infestation the following winter...