Deaths of two moose

[Lee Borgersen]

MARQUETTE — Michigan wildlife biologists are looking into the deaths of two moose found along roads in western Marquette County but say foul play isn’t suspected.

The Mining Journal of Marquette reports the cow and yearling were spotted Wednesday within 10 miles of each other near the community of Republic in the Upper Peninsula.

They didn’t appear to have been shot or struck by vehicles.

Brian Roell of the state Department of Natural Resources said both moose had heavy tick infestations, which can be fatal. Liver flukes are another common affliction among moose. It’s unknown if either caused these deaths.

Roell said the moose were X-rayed for gunshots and examined for internal and external injuries. Tissue samples were sent to a laboratory in Lansing for analysis.

Results might not be known for months.