We believe mange mites or winter ticks caused the bald spot above this bull elk’s shoulders. Mites cause elk to shed sheets of epidermis and lose hair, body fluid, and heat. In late fall and winter, scabs grow on the dorsal and lateral thoracic region. Winter ticks find hosts in late summer and fall, feed during late-winter and spring, then drop off their host. They damage the coat at the base of the neck. Both diseases can be fatal (Toweill, 2002). -Video By Alan Ramsey
Posted on: Fri, 16 May 2014 21:53:39 +0000