The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Sawtooth Mountain Clinic are inviting community members to continue this citizen science project.

Krishna Woerheide, Environmental Specialist with Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, is working to determine tick population densities, the presence of any new tick species in the county, and the prevalence of disease.

To do this, she needs samples from all over the Cook County/Grand Portage area. Community members can help by contributing ticks that they find.

1. On a zip-top plastic bag, write the date and location where the tick was “acquired.” Latitude/longitude would be ideal, but more general locations are fine.

2. Place the tick(s) into the bag and seal well.

3. Bring to any of the following:

• Sawtooth Mountain Clinic - Drop off at the front desk

• Grand Portage Health Services office

• Birch Grove Community Center entrance

Ticks will be collected throughout the 2023 summer and fall and sent to the CDC for testing.

Results will be distributed as they become available.

Please note that this research is for environmental purposes only, and results will not be used for medical diagnoses. People that bring in ticks for this project will NOT be notified if that tick tests positive for Lyme disease.

If you are bitten by a tick and are concerned about contracting Lyme disease, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider. You can do so by calling Sawtooth Mountain Clinic at 218-387-2330.

To learn about Lyme Disease, check out: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/

To learn more about Anaplasmosis, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/anaplasmosis/index.htm


Related: Ticks, gnats, and mosquitos, oh my! Top bug busting tips from local Cook County experts