Moose in Southeast Alaska are being harvested in new areas, indicating a potential expansion of their population and distribution.

Community members in Paulatuk, N.W.T., captured rare images this week of two moose wading in the Arctic Ocean.

An aerial survey of the moose population in Zone 17 and the southern part of Zone 22 carried out in 2021, shows a 35 per cent decline in moose populations, a moderate and concerning decline, says Cree Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty.

Biologists want to know why there are so many moose. It may have a lot to do with shrubs — moose feast on their leaves during the spring and summer. These short woody plants are spreading west, aided by climate change, and moose populations are expanding along with them.