mooseFaced with a declining moose population, New Hampshire Fish and Game officials may soon be faced with having to ban moose hunting in parts of the state.

According to an article on NHPR.org, moose populations have been dropping for years in New Hampshire. In the northern part of the state, officials believe the culprit has been winter tick. In southern New Hampshire, officials believe moose populations have been hit hard by brain worm, a parasite passed on by deer.

While moose populations in northern New Hampshire are still relatively strong, officials say populations in central and southern New Hampshire are dropping to the point where they may need to consider regional hunting bans.

Read more about New Hampshire Fish and Game officials considering a ban on moose hunting.