2/23/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - The Michigan DNR now has data from the first year of a five-year study on moose in Upper Michigan.  One year ago, the DNR began collaring moose from the core moose population in the central and western Upper Peninsula.  This first year, they were able to collar 20 moose, with plans to collar more in the coming years. Now, data shows the moose population has declined to about 300, down from 426 in 2023.  But, the DNR said the numbers are down partly because the moose seem to be moving south and west.  The study is a partnership between the DNR, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and Northern Michigan University. Grant money for the next few years of the study has been secured. In total, the DNR hopes to collar about 60 moose during the study.