MARQUETTE, Mich. — Two moose died last month during a wildlife research effort in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but officials say the project has now placed data-collecting tracking collars on 56 animals.
Scientists are studying the group of animals to determine why their numbers have been stagnant or even declining, rather than heading toward the as many as 1,000 animals predicted earlier. Last month, wildlife staff spent four days capturing, collaring and releasing 41 moose, more than double the number processed last year.
On the first day of fieldwork in mid-February, crews handled and released four moose. Two of them, an adult cow and a young bull, died while recovering from sedation.
“The work we do involves risks associated with wildlife harvesting, and we take strict precautions to ensure those risks are minimized,” said Tyler Petroelje, Northern Michigan wildlife research specialist for the state Department of Natural Resources.
Aerial survey data map of moose population
The procedure involved a helicopter crew flushing a moose out of the woods and shooting it with tranquilizer darts. Teams on the ground collect biological samples, attach radio collars around the animals’ necks, and inject a drug to reverse the sedation.
The entire process usually takes about 45 minutes to complete.
“These moose and the biological samples and collar data they provide will be invaluable in helping us better understand the survival of the moose core group and the factors limiting population growth,” Petroje said.
On-site workers sedated the bull moose
In addition to the more than 200,000 GPS locations collected from collared moose last year, the researchers also collected 22,000 GPS locations from newly collared moose. The research began last year and funding runs until 2028.
“It’s really exciting what additional information we can gather now that we have 56 collared moose on this property,” said Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Wildlife Coordinator Kyle Seppanen.
A necropsy showed the young bull had no underlying medical conditions. However, the cow suffered from severe lung and liver disease that could have complicated sedation and contributed to her death.
After the deaths, the researchers changed their protocol to shorten the amount of time each moose was under anesthesia.
Related: Michigan’s mysterious moose population decline has researchers searching for answers
Based on the DNR’s 2025 aerial survey of moose range in Marquette, Baraga and Iron counties, officials estimate the core herd is about 300 individuals. That estimate represents a decrease of about 30 percent from the 426 moose counted in the survey two years ago.
Researchers want to determine whether moose herds are declining, moving away from historical survey areas, or both.
“Where are the moose going? What habitat are they using and when?” Sepanen said. “I look forward to confirming the calf’s birth this spring and tracking calf survival throughout the remainder of the year.”
Related: Wolf-Moose Foundation: 68-year ecological research project that saved Michigan
Known predators of moose in the Upper Peninsula include gray wolves and black bears, which primarily prey on calves and weakened adult moose.
Vehicle collisions also pose a significant risk. Officials say at least 60 moose have been killed by vehicles in Michigan over the past four years.
There is another environmental factor.
Moose are also susceptible to winter ticks. Field workers have documented individual animals carrying tens of thousands of ticks in a season. The resulting blood loss, skin irritation and hair loss can be fatal, especially during the cold winter months.
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