US EditionMinnesota moose population holds steady despite warming winters, other threats
A 15-year, $9 million effort to restore 24,000 acres of young-forest habitat aims to support a stable population of about 4,470 moose in Northeastern Minnesota.
- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources estimated approximately 4,470 moose remain in St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties, up about 400 from last year's survey conducted with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the 1854 Treaty Authority.
- Northeastern Minnesota's moose population crashed from 8,840 in 2006 to 2,700 by 2013, then remained low but stable; that rapid decline spurred regional habitat restoration efforts.
- Over 15 years, a collaborative including the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society allocated nearly $9 million through the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council to restore 24,000 acres of moose habitat.
- Climate change and parasites pose persistent threats; wildlife program manager Mike Schrage noted that milder winters increase deer densities, boosting brainworm transmission, a major factor in the 20-year population decline.
- Research led by the DNR and partners continues monitoring juvenile moose survival, while Chris Dunham, associate director of resilience forestry at the Nature Conservancy, said habitat manipulation remains a tangible solution as moose actively use restored sites.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Pine Journal
Minnesota moose population is holding steady
DULUTH — Minnesota’s moose population has remained stable for another year, though it remains about half the size as two decades ago. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said its annual aerial survey, conducted with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the 1854 Treaty Authority, estimated that approximately 4,470 moose remain in St. Louis, Lake and Cook counties, the animal’s typical range in the state. That’s up about 40…
Minnesota moose population holds steady despite warming winters, other threats
The most recent population survey by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and tribal partners found there are an estimated 4,470 moose in the state, which continues a long stabilizing trend after the moose population crashed about 15 years ago.
DNR Says Minnesota Moose Population Relatively Stable, But Risks Still Remain
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials say Minnesota's moose population remains relatively stable. According to the DNR's 2026 population survey, the most recent Minnesota moose population estimate is approximately 4,470 animals. DNR officials say results suggest that after a steep decline from a population estimate of 8,000 in 2009, Minnesota's…
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