(UNDATED) - Motorists traveling in the Upper Peninsula are being urged to keep an eye out for moose and to exercise extra caution when driving after dark.
Since June 10th, five bull moose have been struck and killed by vehicles along portions of M-95 and U.S Highways 141 and 41 West in Marquette and Baraga counties.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources deputy public information officer John Pepin says all of the moose killed were struck after dark and each of the accidents happened in areas marked with ‘moose crossing’ signs.
Three crashes occurred on June 10, two in Baraga County and one in Marquette County… and two happened on July 13, one in each county. DNR wildlife biologist Brian Roell said autumn, when moose are mating, is more commonly a time for moose to be traveling.
The most recent DNR moose survey, conducted prior to the coronavirus pandemic in February 2019, estimated 509 moose in the western U.P. The next survey is planned for 2024.
The moose population is estimated to grow at an average of about 2% each year. The western U.P. moose range covers about 1,400 square miles.
