Biologists are looking at what might account for the success of moose on the North Dakota prairie, while their Minnesota forest cousins are disappearing. One theory is that diseases carried by forest parasites are not found on the prairie.

A moose, far astray from its north woods Minnesota habitat, has been plodding around the southern part of the state. It was recently spotted near Winthrop, roughly 80 miles southwest of the Twin Cities, the Mankato Free Press reports. “Generally, it’s young bulls who do this," a DNR biologist said. "They just have a lot of wander in them.”

Officers seized more than 8,000 fruit and plant items that could be carrying pests or diseases that would hurt the area's agriculture industry.

Bullwinkle Moose hailed from Frostbite Falls, Minnesota, but his species may become just a memory in the state. A DNR aerial survey shows northeastern Minnesota has already lost half its moose. Scientists don't know what's causing the animals to die off. The DNR doubts there's anything the state can do.

The mysterious moose die-off seems to be continuing, according to the DNR's latest surveys. The agency says it will consult with experts and announce a decision on the hunting season in the next few weeks.

The Bemidji Pioneer says North Dakota was filling nearly as many barrels as the country of Ecuador was last month, and it may have already surpassed it. And experts say production will continue to ramp up -- fast.