MARQUETTE, MI-- The Department of Natural Resources says it appears the growth rate of moose in the Western U.P. has slowed considerably over the past few years.
A 2015 population estimate of Iron, Baraga and Marquette counties is 323—down from 451 in 2013. Officials say factors contributing to the possibly lower numbers include back-to-back severe winter weather; a warmer climate that led to increased parasites; and a possible increase in wolf predation on calves due to lower deer numbers.
The DNR says from 1997 to 2007 surveys of prime moose habitat indicated a 10-percent yearly growth rate. From 2009 to 2013 that slowed to about 2 percent per year.
DNR moose specialist Chad Stewart says because of statistical uncertainty the population could have remained steady, but biologists have seen fewer moose calves with females. That indicates a drop in the number of animals.
