Moose, the largest members of the deer family, are an iconic part of Minnesota’s wildlife. These large animals, weighing up to 1,000 pounds, are a significant presence in the state’s northern ecosystems. Their long legs and splayed hooves allow them to navigate diverse terrains, from dense forests to marshy wetlands.
Where Moose Roam
Moose in Minnesota primarily inhabit the northeastern part of the state, often called the Arrowhead region. This area includes vast boreal forests, wetlands, and wilderness areas like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Superior National Forest. These environments provide the ecological characteristics moose require.
Their preferred habitats feature young forests, often created by logging, forest fires, or windstorms. These disturbances promote the growth of leafy deciduous plants, a primary food source for moose. They also utilize older forests with mixed conifer and deciduous trees for cover, seeking shade from summer heat and shelter during harsh winters. Moose can also be found in northwestern Minnesota, where mixed woodlots and farm fields offer suitable conditions.
Population Trends and Challenges
Minnesota’s moose population has faced challenges over the past two decades. Estimates show a decline of approximately 60 percent since the mid-2000s. The population peaked around 8,000 animals in 2009, but experienced a steep reduction.
Recent surveys indicate the population has stabilized, fluctuating around 3,700 animals, with the 2025 estimate at approximately 4,040 moose. Despite this recent stability, the long-term trend reflects a significant decrease from historical numbers. Several factors contribute to the challenges faced by Minnesota’s moose.
Brainworm, a parasite carried by white-tailed deer, poses a threat to moose. While deer are largely unaffected, the parasite can be fatal to moose, causing neurological damage. Moose become infected by ingesting slugs and snails, which are intermediate hosts for the brainworm larvae, while foraging.
Climate change also influences moose health and survival. Warmer temperatures can lead to heat stress, reducing foraging activity and making moose more susceptible to disease and predation. Milder winters can also increase winter tick populations, which can cause significant blood loss and health issues for moose.
Changes in habitat quality compound these issues. Decades of fire suppression and reduced logging have led to an aging forest, which offers less of the young, nutritious vegetation moose prefer. Historically, the region’s forests had a higher proportion of conifers, which provide important cover; this ratio has now largely reversed.
Predation by wolves also impacts moose numbers, particularly affecting calves. Studies indicate that wolves are responsible for a large proportion of calf mortalities. These interconnected factors create complex challenges for the moose population.
Conservation and Management
Efforts to support Minnesota’s moose population involve research and habitat management. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in collaboration with tribal nations like the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the 1854 Treaty Authority, conducts annual aerial surveys to monitor population numbers, trends, bull-to-cow ratios, and calf survival.
Researchers utilize advanced technology, such as GPS collars and internal sensors, to track individual moose. This allows for rapid identification of mortality events, enabling scientists to investigate causes of death and gain insights into moose health, behavior, and movement patterns. Studies focus on understanding the transmission of parasites like brainworm and environmental factors affecting moose survival.
Habitat restoration projects are underway across the moose range. The Minnesota Moose Habitat Collaborative, a partnership of agencies and conservation groups, works to improve forest conditions. This includes controlled burns and timber harvests to mimic natural disturbances, encouraging the growth of young, palatable vegetation. Millions of conifer trees, such as white spruce and white pine, are also being planted to provide cover and shade for moose. These initiatives aim to create a more resilient landscape, fostering an environment where Minnesota’s moose can thrive.