Can you help?

DNR seeks public's help monitoring moose

Michigan Department of Natural Resources asks those who live in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, or those who are just visiting, to share any moose sightings through the Moose Observation Report form, now available online.

The DNR has been monitoring Michigan's moose population since the species’ reintroduction to the state in the 1980s. To estimate the population status of Michigan moose, the DNR conducts aerial surveys across the core moose range in the western Upper Peninsula. When determining the aerial survey sample area, observation reports are important resources that help to identify where resident moose occur.

“Observation reports give insight to where resident moose are being seen in the U.P., allowing us to assess the distribution prior to conducting the aerial survey,” said Chad Stewart, deer, elk and moose management specialist for the DNR. “The survey is an important tool that provides an abundance estimate of moose in Michigan. Using the observation reports helps us tailor our survey to account for any distribution changes that may have occurred over the past couple of years so we can get the most accurate estimate of our moose population.”

Citizen participation is the key to monitoring Michigan’s moose population. Learn more about moose in Michigan or report sightings by visiting mi.gov/moose.