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Moose Country

The story of Michigan's moose is diverse. It revolves around generations of change, development and scientific discovery. Today, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is proud to oversee Michigan's moose recovery and monitoring effort, with support from the citizens of this state, as together we strive to help this exciting and resilient species find its place on this land once more.

This page is designed to help you learn more about Michigan's moose, the ongoing scientific studies focused on moose, as well as help you become familiar with the areas of the state these animals inhibit.

If you are fortunate to see a moose on any of the routes described or anywhere in Michigan, please contact any Upper Peninisula DNR office to report your sighting. A report form also is available online at www.michigan.gov/dnr/. Your information will greatly help scientist to track the general health, status and movement of the animals.

Biology

Moose calves are born from mid-May through early June. Cows usually give birth to a single calf, although twins are not uncommon. At birth, calves weigh between 25 and 35 pounds. By three months of age, calves may weigh 250 pounds. At 18 months of age, moose often stand six feet at the shoulder and weigh between 600 and 750 pounds. Adult cows weigh around 1,000 pounds and adult bulls can weigh as much as 1,300 pounds.

Along with their large bodies, moose have large appetites. During the summer, adults can eat 50 to 60 pounds of food per day. Moose eat the leaves and twigs of aspens, dogwoods, willows and maples. Wetland plants such as water lilies and pond weeds also are important foods.

Only males produce antlers, which are shed and regrwon each year. Unlike deer antlers, which are long and pointed, moose antlers have wide "palms" and numerous "fingers." The moose found in Michigan produce antlers with spreads up to 60 inches. Adult moose generally are solitary animals. Breeding begins in early September after a bull's antlers are done growing. This period, known as the rut, peaks in late September to early October.

Moose die from a number of causes including predation, parasites, disease, accidents and malnutrition. Moose can harbor a number of parasites. Most parasites are harmless, but brainworm and liver flukes can weaken or kill moose. Known predators include wolves and black bears. Bears may kill calves up to six weeks of age if given the opportunity. Wolves in the U.P., although capable of killing moose, generally pursue a much more abundant food source... the white-tailed deer.

History

Records from the early explorers show that moose were present throughout Michigan. However, as settlers moved into this region and began clearing the land, moose habitat was destroyed and unrestricted hunting reduced moose numbers until they virtually disappeared from most areas of the state by the mid-1800s.

The remaining moose then faced another problem. The young forests that grew following the cutting of Michigan's virgin timber provided excellent habitat for white-tailed deer. Deer are a host to a parasite called brainworm, which has little effect on deer but can be fatal to moose. As the deer population grew, the number of moose that died from the disease likely increased.

By the late 1800s, moose numbers were very low. Although moose were given complete protection in Michigan in 1889, moose soon disappeared from the Lower Peninsula and only a small herd survived in the Upper Peninsula, perhaps supplemented by animals coming in from Minnesota and Canada.

In the 1930s, the department began efforts to increase the moose population in the U.P. from the herd on Isle Royale, which had become overpopulated. Over a three-year period, 71 animals were live-trapped and transported to the mainland. Six moose were sent to the Cusino Wildlife Research Station in ALger County, one male and one female went to the Detroit Zoo and the rest were released in Keweenaw, Marquette and Schoolcraft counties. Unfortuanely, the project was not successful.

Moose occasionally were seen in the U.P., mainly in the east, in the years following World War II. Then in the 1970s, biologist noted changes in the U.P. that resulted in better habitat for moose. The prospects for reintroduction looked good. The DNR reintroduction plan grew from a belief that releasing a sizable number of moose into one area with good habitat would stimulate reproduction and reslut in a self-sustaining population. In 1985 and 1987, with the help of sporting clubs, civic groups and other interested people, 59 moose were brought from Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, and released in Marquette County.

Monitoring

Since 1985, biologists have studied the reintroduced moose population. At first, the size and growth of the herd was determined through a simple process - similar to balancing a checkbook. Because all moose were radio-collared, biologists could monitor each animal and tell when it died, and they could follow cows to record any births. The population could be tracked simply by adding the number of calves born and subracting the number of animals that died.

As the population grew, the new animals in the herd did not have radio collars. Because this method of monitoring is very expensive, biologist began using a population model based on the birth and death rates of the radio-collared moose. Over time, however, maintaining an adequate sample of radio-collared animals for the population model would not be feasible. So in 1996 the DNR began using aerial surveys, which are the most common method of estimating moose numbers. Following a second aerial survey in 1997, concerns arose when the population estimates from the aerial surveys were lower than estimates from the population model. Current research is evaluating the different population estimation techniques and documenting birth and death rates and dispersal.

Finding Moose

Moose are distributed across most of the northern Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Tips for Viewing Moose:

1. Look for moose in the early morning and evening when summer temperatures are coolest.
2. Moose often are associated with water, so look in areas around beaver ponds, edges of lakes, streams and swamps.

Caution:

1. Moose are unpredictable, aggressive and should not be approached.
2. Suggested routes often are seasonal roads that can become impassible at any time of the year. Travel these routes at your own risk.
3. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources assumes no responsibility or liablity for persons or vehicles using the suggested routes.