Researchers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and Northern Michigan University are preparing to capture up to 43 moose this month for the second phase of a population study in the Upper Peninsula. The collaborative effort aims to determine why the region’s moose population has remained stagnant for decades.
The core moose population is currently estimated at 300 animals, according to a 2025 aerial survey of Marquette, Baraga and Iron counties. This is a decrease from the estimated 426 moose recorded in 2023. Researchers are working to determine if the lower numbers reflect an actual population decline or if the animals have simply shifted their distribution away from traditional survey areas.
In the first phase of the study conducted in early 2025, researchers captured and collared 20 moose. Data from that group shows that 17 of those moose are still alive. Among the collared females, eight out of 10 gave birth to a total of 11 calves. Reported causes of death for the remaining moose included one vehicle collision, two predator attacks and one instance of unknown trauma.
Tyler Petroelje, northern Michigan wildlife research specialist for the DNR, said the team is looking at several variables that might be suppressing population growth. “We’re attempting to identify the potential factors that are most likely affecting Michigan’s moose herd, including disease, nutrition, reproduction, predation, vehicle collisions and habitat alteration,” Petroelje said. He noted that the collaborative nature of the study helps researchers understand how these different factors might have compounding effects on the herd.
Environmental risks for moose in the Upper Peninsula include predators such as wolves and black bears, which typically target weakened adults or vulnerable calves. Vehicle collisions are also a significant factor, with at least 60 moose killed in crashes in the region over the last four years. Additionally, moose are frequently affected by winter ticks. A single animal can carry up to 100,000 ticks, leading to blood loss and hair loss that can be fatal during cold winter months.
The research project is funded primarily through federal conservation grants, tribal partnerships and university resources. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community secured a $684,112 grant from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to support the work for two additional years. This funding comes from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative’s Distinct Tribal Program and will fund field operations through 2028. Only about 1% of the project’s funding is provided by the state’s Game and Fish Fund.
Erin Johnston, wildlife and habitat manager for the KBIC Natural Resources Department, said the partnership between the tribe, the state and universities strengthens the management of the species. “Many times we have similar goals or desired outcomes for wildlife stewardship and management,” Johnston said. “We may not always approach the situation in the same way or from the same perspective, but that is what strengthens the collaboration – bringing different experiences, knowledge, perspectives and expertise to the table to explore the natural world.”
Northern Michigan University provides graduate student and faculty support for the study. Diana Lafferty, an associate professor of biology and director of the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science Lab at NMU, said the collaboration offers a holistic approach to understanding the moose population. “I’m grateful NMU provides graduate student support (i.e., tuition and fees) as well as faculty support for this exciting collaboration that brings together diverse people who have myriad perspectives and expertise in a shared effort to gain a holistic understanding of the factors limiting moose population growth in the U.P.,” Lafferty said.
Lafferty added that she is proud to be part of a team that combines research with the training of future conservation leaders. “I’m really proud to be part of a team that values the coupling of research and education to strengthen our knowledge about the nature world while simultaneously helping to train the next generation of leaders in wildlife conservation and management,” she said.
The upcoming moose capture is scheduled to take place Feb. 13-21, depending on weather conditions. Operations will be conducted within a 500-square-mile area of the Michigamme Highlands. Spotter planes and helicopters will be used to locate and sedate the moose so crews can collect biological data and fit the animals with tracking collars.