Here’s something you rarely hear in February — ticks are starting to emerge in Minnesota.
The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District says they found the first deer tick of the year in Dakota County on Monday.
Ticks usually start appearing in March or April, but officials say the warm winter weather has allowed the tick to emerge ahead of schedule.
Experts are urging Minnesotans to keep a close eye on pets to help prevent the spread of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.