Upper Peninsula Moose

Moose almost became extirpated from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula by the 20th century. Habitat changes, human exploitation, brainworm and wolf predation were primary factors thought to contribute to the decline in moose. A translocation of 69 moose from Isle Royale to the Upper Peninsula during 1934-37 resulted in frequent sightings initially. By the 1940s, the moose population apparently had declined to a low level, and the relocation effort eventually was judged a failure.

By the 1970s, the white-tailed deer population in the Lake Superior watershed in the Upper Peninsula had declined drastically, and biologists in the MDNR began to consider a moose translocation to fill a vacant niche. Aerial and ground inspections by Ontario moose experts confirmed suitable habitat. In 1985 and 1987, 61 moose were translocated by the MDNR from Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, to northwest Marquette County.

The moose reintroduction project represented a monumental undertaking in terms of equipment, manpower, distance involved and costs. Resources of the MDNR and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, as well as monetary contributions from private citizens and organizations, were invested. The operation was highly visible in the scientific and sporting communities, and received widespread coverage by the news media.
The goal of Michigan’s moose management program is a self-sustaining population of free ranging moose. Specifically, the objective of the program was to produce a population of 1,000 moose by the year 2000.

The moose population has now stabilized at around 500-600 animals mostly located in Nothern Marquette County however, others roam the entire length of the UP. Moose often swim the St. Mary's River form Ontario and are found in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
Of course, Isle Royale, is noted for its Moose Herd ofter reaching numbers of over 1000 animals.