The moose population in much of northern United States has taken a steep drop. The shorter and less harsh winters seem to be a very possible cause of such a drop that caused all moose-hunting to be immediately shut down. The warmed winters can do one of two things: make the moose use more energy leading to exhaustion, or let a very deadly parasite thrive to the point of attacking moose. Ticks may lead moose to tear patches a fur off of their bodies from the severe scratching or drain the blood from their bodies to the point of anemia. Other insects, including the pine bark beetle, thrive in warmer climates and then have the ability to destroy entire forests that moose call home. The decrease in moose numbers also directly affects the amount of bird habitats, which are formed when the moose search through shrubs for food. Climate change has had a very significant effect on the moose population and it is evident that this, in turn, also affects other aspects of the environment.