Maine moose population doubles to 75,000

Maine moose population estimated at 75K
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A new aerial survey pegs Maine’s moose population at about 75,000, more than double the number of the last survey more than a decade ago.

Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologist Lee Kantar conducted an aerial survey in a low-flying helicopter for the second straight year this past winter.

Based on his findings, Kantar tells the Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/NuZ5SE ) that the state’s moose population is now estimated at 75,000. The last population estimate was done more than 10 years ago, when the department estimated the population at 29,000.

Maine’s annual moose hunting lottery was being held Saturday in the western Maine town of Oquossoc. This year, 3,725 permits are being awarded.

Maine has the largest moose population by far of any state in the continental United States.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.