History of moose in Michigan

Native Range and Early Decline

Moose are native to Michigan and, prior to European settlement, were found throughout the state except for the southwestern Lower Peninsula. By the late 1800s, moose had disappeared from the Lower Peninsula, and only a few scattered individuals remained in the Upper Peninsula.

Several factors likely contributed to this decline. Widespread logging in the early 20th century destroyed vast tracts of moose habitat. At the same time, settlers, loggers and miners hunted moose extensively for food.

Another major threat was brainworm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis), a parasite carried by white-tailed deer. While brainworm has little impact on deer, it often causes fatal neurological disease in moose. As deer populations expanded in newly logged areas, the risk of brainworm infection in moose increased.

First Reintroduction Attempt: 1930s

Michigan’s first moose reintroduction effort took place from 1934 to 1937. Biologists moved 71 moose from Isle Royale to the Upper Peninsula mainland, releasing them in Keweenaw, Marquette and Schoolcraft counties.

Some moose were sent to the Detroit Zoo and the Cusino Wildlife Experimental Station for research. These studies provided valuable information about rutting behavior, gestation, growth, diet and antler development.

Unfortunately, the reintroduction effort was unsuccessful. The Isle Royale moose had overgrazed their native habitat and were in poor condition when captured. Many developed infections or died from what was then called “circling disease,” now believed to be caused by brainworm.

Poaching and high deer numbers further challenged the recovery effort, and the population failed to establish.

Moose Sightings and Shifting Conditions

Moose continued to be seen occasionally in the eastern Upper Peninsula during the 1950s and 1960s. By the 1970s, biologists noted that declining deer numbers in northern parts of the U.P. might create more favorable conditions for moose recovery.

Successful Reintroduction: 1980s

In the mid-1980s, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources partnered with officials in Ontario to translocate 59 moose from Algonquin Provincial Park to Marquette County. The goal was to establish a self-sustaining population in the Upper Peninsula. Specifically, the objective of the program was to produce a population of 1,000 moose by the year 2000.

All the translocated moose were fitted with radio collars to track survival and movement. Despite some natural losses—including brainworm, falls, rutting injuries and birthing complications—the population grew steadily through the late 1980s and early 1990s.

High calf survival rates indicated that the habitat was suitable. Community support was also strong, and poaching was virtually nonexistent as Upper Peninsula residents embraced the moose as part of their local landscape.

Two different periods of population growth

Over the last few decades, researchers have observed two very different periods of population growth. During 1997-2007, the population grew steadily by 10% each year. But data from the biennial aerial population surveys shows that annual growth has slowed to less than 1% since 2009.

In addition to the study area in the western U.P., a smaller moose population remains in the eastern U.P., found primarily in Alger, Schoolcraft, Luce and Chippewa counties.

No formal surveys of the eastern U.P. moose population have been conducted, but biologists have documented resident moose and reproduction in parts of the east U.P., based on field observations and reports from the public.

Moose Populations Today

Nearly 40 years later, the moose population in the western part of the region where the translocation occurred has grown to over 400 – but is still well below an initial projected goal of 1,000 animals by the year 2000.

Today, moose are found in two main areas of the Upper Peninsula:

• Western U.P.: A growing population in Marquette, Baraga and Iron counties, established through the 1980s reintroduction effort.
• Eastern U.P.: A smaller, remnant population in Alger, Schoolcraft, Luce and Chippewa counties, with moose observed here since the 1950s.

In the most recent moose survey conducted by the DNR in January 2023, an estimated 426 moose were counted in the western Upper Peninsula. The remainder of the U.P. is not systematically surveyed, but pockets of suitable habitat, especially in the east, continue to support smaller numbers of moose.