MARQUETTE, Mich. (AP) - Poor weather is making it hard for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to count the number of moose in the Upper Peninsula.
The DNR surveys the moose population every two years. The census is based on the number of animals spotted by crews flying over prime moose range in Baraga, Iron and Marquette counties.
It's typically done in January, when the ground is covered with snow. That makes it easier to see the animals.
But wildlife biologist Bill Scullon says there's been too little snow cover for most of January. Once the snow did fall, it was too windy to operate the fixed-wing aircraft.
The survey is about 20 percent complete. If it can't be finished this year, officials say they'll discuss whether to try again next year.
