Brain Worm Killed Moose in Southern Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Wildlife managers say a young moose that wandered from northern Minnesota to the southern city of Sleepy Eye died from a brain parasite.

The moose was found dead in in November. Lou Cornicelli, wildlife research manager with the Department of Natural Resources, tells KSTP-TV that tests at the University of Minnesota indicate the moose died from brain worm.

Brain worm is a common cause of death for moose in Minnesota. The moose was about a year and a half old and underweight.

Minnesota had an estimated 4,350 moose as of last winter. Most live in northeastern Minnesota.

Cornicelli says moose can travel great distances, but it's rare for them to go so far south. He says the brain disease probably contributed to the moose losing its way.