MARQUETTE, MI-- About 509 moose live in the western Upper Peninsula.
That’s according to the Department of Natural Resources winter survey, conducted in early February in Marquette, Baraga and Iron Counties.
Wildlife Division Chief Russ Mason says the population is growing about 2 percent each year. He says the growth rate is low, but positive.
The eastern U.P. population of moose is not surveyed, but is estimated to be fewer than 100 animals.
Mason reported the results to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission last week.
The Moose Hunting Advisory Council recommends allowing a hunt only if a growth rate of 3 percent or higher is maintained.
Moose surveys are conducted every other winter by the DNR, with gray wolf surveys taking place during interim winters.
