Moose, recognizable by their imposing size and broad antlers, are the largest members of the deer family. They are a significant component of North America’s wildlife, particularly in states like Wyoming. They are typically found in northern forests across the continent.
Wyoming’s Moose Count
Wyoming’s moose population has seen significant changes over time. Recent estimates indicate there are roughly 3,000 moose across the state. In the early 1990s, the statewide population was estimated to be between 12,000 and 13,000 animals, peaking at around 13,657 in 2001. The population was estimated at approximately 4,050 in 2014.
The overall number is an estimate. Despite the general decline in recent years, some localized herds are showing signs of stability or even modest increases. However, other areas, particularly in western Wyoming, have experienced substantial reductions in moose numbers.
Key Moose Habitats
Moose in Wyoming are primarily found in specific mountainous and riparian regions. The largest concentrations reside in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, located south of Jackson. Other important areas include the Bighorn National Forest in north-central Wyoming and the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest in the southeastern part of the state, encompassing the Snowy and Sierra Madre Ranges. The Sublette herd, considered the largest in Wyoming, inhabits the willow-dominated floodplains of the Green River Basin and the eastern foothills of the Wyoming Range.
These animals prefer habitats rich in willow thickets, riparian zones, and coniferous forests. These environments provide ample forage, such as willow, along with other shrubs like bitterbrush and serviceberry. Moose often move to higher elevations during summer to find cooler temperatures and quality forage, returning to lower riparian areas or mature conifer forests in winter for cover and food.
How Moose Populations Are Tracked
Wildlife agencies employ various methods to estimate moose populations, which are challenging to count accurately due to their elusive nature and the rugged terrain they inhabit. Aerial surveys, conducted using planes or helicopters, are a primary tool for observing moose in remote and densely vegetated areas. These surveys help biologists count individuals and classify animals by sex and age, providing ratios of bulls, cows, and calves to assess herd health and recruitment.
Ground observations also contribute to population data, especially in areas where aerial surveys are not feasible or for specific herd units with lower densities. Modern techniques include the use of GPS radio collars, which provide detailed information on habitat use, migration patterns, and survival rates. Researchers also gather data through trail camera observations and DNA sampling from hair and fecal pellets. Additionally, harvest information is integrated into population models to estimate herd abundance and inform management decisions.
Conservation and Management Efforts
Conservation and management efforts are ongoing to address the challenges facing Wyoming’s moose populations. The state’s wildlife agency is responsible for setting hunting quotas, which have been significantly reduced in response to population declines. This includes implementing conservative hunting seasons and, in some cases, eliminating hunts for cow moose to promote population growth.
Factors impacting moose numbers include habitat loss and degradation from development and wildfires. Climate change poses a threat by causing thermal stress for these cold-adapted animals. Predation from wolves, grizzly bears, and mountain lions plays a role, as do diseases and parasites like winter ticks and carotid artery worms. Vehicle collisions also contribute to moose fatalities. To counter these threats, The Moose Fund supports research and habitat restoration, including constructing beaver holding facilities to enhance riparian habitats. Collaborative programs improve habitat connectivity through fence modifications, invasive weed treatments, and conservation easements.