ST. PAUL, Minn. - There is reason for both concern and slight optimism in the new estimate of Minnesota's moose population.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 2018 aerial moose survey estimates a population of 3,030 living in the northeastern part of the state, down from last year's estimate of 3,710. Those numbers are not set in stone, as researchers cannot see and count every moose across an area of 6,000 square miles. Statistically the DNR is 90 percent certain that the moose population is between 2,320 and 4,140.
“The stability of moose numbers in recent years provides a reason for some optimism – after all, we’re not facing a significant decline,” said Glenn DelGiudice, DNR moose and deer project leader. “But this year’s results would be more palatable had they reflected the beginning of a turnaround in the population trend.”
The high water mark for moose in Minnesota was 2006, when the population was estimated at 8,840. A comparison with 2018 estimates suggests that moose numbers have dropped 65 percent in 12 years. Reproductive success and adult survival have the greatest impact on the annual performance and dynamics of the moose population over time.
Field studies indicate that moose calves are struggling to make it through their first year, and that two-thirds of the youngsters that do perish are killed by wolves.
