Slow Moose Growth in U.P. Concerns Wildlife Experts

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is trying to increase the number of moose in the U.P., but the population growth has been much slower than expected.

Michigan Moose

I have been visiting Michigan's Upper Peninsula for 30 years, and every time I cross the Mighty Mac, I begin looking to spot a moose.  I have only seen one moose and her calf standing in the water feeding in a marsh on U.S. 2.

The only other moose I saw was during my visit to Drummond Island, but this wasn't a Michigan animal because I saw it on the Canadian side, drinking water while I was fishing. A few moose have been spotted on Drummond Island, but not many, and none by me.

My best friend Curt lives in Iron River on the west side of the Upper Peninsula, and before his retirement, he had a 90-minute drive to work, spotted moose heading back and forth to Marquette. He did say it was often the same animals in the same location.

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DNR Announced Moose Numbers Growing Much Slower Than Anticipated

Moose once thrived in Michigan, but overhunting in the late 1800s nearly wiped the population completely out. Several attempts were made in the 1930s to reintroduce moose, but it wasn't until the 1980s that they were finally reintroduced and established a sustainable population.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Facebook page, they collared 20 moose in February with GPS to learn more about the population. Out of 10 cows, 3 had single calves, and 3 had twins. 2 of the calves died, 1 by head trauma and the other by wolves.

When the DNR reintroduced moose in the Upper Peninsula in the 1980s, the goal was 1,000 animals by the year 2000, it achieved less than half its goal. Moose calves are a favorite food of predators like wolves, bears, and cougars, which are all present in the Upper Peninsula. Wolf and bear populations have grown considerably in the last 25 years, and now that cougars are becoming more regular, it may take another 25 years to double the moose population.

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