Moose, like polar bears, are suffering the effects of climate change. In the midwestern United States, in particular, the moose population is declining rapidly. As the winter temperatures become warmer, parasites and insects that feed on moose have gained the upper hand, spelling their demise.
Some people think there there are too many midwestern moose to list the species as endangered. There are 3500 moose in Minnesota, 500 in Michigan, and a thousand on the Isle Royale. But protection for the species needs to come now — before moose populations drop below the point of no return. Far too many animals have gone extinct or nearly extinct after being listed as endangered too late for them to make a recovery.
Please support me in asking the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to list the midwestern moose as endangered.
Dear Fish and Wildlife Service:
We the undersigned are saddened at the decline of the midwestern moose population. It appears that the moose, like the polar bear, is a silent victim of climate change. Parasites have been given the upper hand by warmer winters. While the moose is a big animal and can sustain quite a bit of abuse by insects and parasites, it is now in danger of succumbing to them.
Please put this majestic animal on the endangered species list.
[Your comments]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
