The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has completed a review of a listing petition for the subspecies of moose found in Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin and determined that it may be warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This northwestern subspecies of moose (Alces alces andersoni) found in the upper Midwest has been declining over the past decade; in Minnesota the population has dropped by more than 60 percent. There are a number of factors affecting the population including habitat degradation, climate change, and diseases such as brain worms and winter ticks. The FWS will now undergo a rigorous 12-month status review to determine if the subspecies should be listed as a distinct population segment. A 60-day public comment period will be open until August 2. Comments can be submitted online or in writing.