Tick pressure on deer populations and on the “ghost moose” has been on the rise as a result of winter infestation.  The increase in tick incidences has led to the deterioration of moose health due to blood loss and loss of fur that maintains thermal insulation of this culturally important species and Maine icon.  Deer and moose have been a primary food source for many tribal hunters and their families during the winter months. This reliance is threatened by an overall increase in mortality rates of the female moose along with a decrease in reproductive capacity due to anemia.  As many as 5,000 ticks have been counted on a recent kill by indigenous hunters.