Winter Ticks in Yukon

Winter tick-free Takhini herd elk were released from confinement on July 9/09 to return to their core range.

What are Winter Ticks?

Winter ticks are found almost everywhere in North America. They are moving north. This might be because of shorter winters caused by climate change. Scientists now think winter ticks are in the NWT – where there are no elk.

Different species react differently to a winter tick infestation - elk, deer and goats groom themselves regularly and keep tick numbers down. Moose don't groom much and by the time they do start to react to the bites the ticks are big enough to latch on and stay put. (Grooming involves licking, biting, rubbing, and chewing.)

Winter Ticks in Yukon

Winter tick experts say that climate, the type of forest, and the density of animals are the three main factors influencing a winter tick population. Environment Yukon biologists suspect we are having a winter tick problem now because the snow is melting earlier than it did a decade ago - and our average winter temperature have gotten warmer during that same period.

Containing Winter Ticks

Environment Yukon has worked closely with experts, stakeholders and First Nations to identify the best approaches for reducing the risk posed by winter ticks to elk, deer and moose.

Containment is an effective method for reducing the risk of winter ticks spreading. Penning up infested animals until the ticks drop off naturally in the late spring limits the spread of the ticks. That's because the ticks do not move much once they're on the ground. As long as there are no animals on the fenced-off pasture, there is no way for the ticks to find a host in the fall. The ticks and tick larvae will die during the first winter cold spell.

• April 2009 Update - Responding to Winter Ticks 46 KB
• 2009 Release of Elk to their Core Range

Information for Trappers, Hunters and Tanners

If you find winter ticks or signs of these parasites on any hides you handle - no matter what the species - please contact Rick Ward - Moose, Elk, Deer Biologist at 667-5787 (out of town calls use 1-800-661-0408 please).