B.C. program looks to citizen science for help in diagnosing moose tick problem
VANCOUVER — The sight of an ungainly and mostly hairless white moose trudging into a northern British Columbia town has become the most visible sign of the winter tick problem in the province.
The parasite literally sucks the life out of its host while the moose stops feeding to spend time scratching and rubbing away its hair in an attempt to rid itself of its itchy burden.
Wildlife biologist Dustin Walsh calls them “townie moose.”
“When they get into that severe state, moose will come out of the woods and into town centres. Somewhere where there’s a little easier access to food and they feel a little bit safer almost because there’s less predation.”