Moose (Alces alces) are present in Minnesota, representing the largest member of the deer family (Cervidae) in the state. These immense herbivores can weigh over 1,000 pounds and stand more than six feet tall at the shoulder, making them a powerful symbol of the northern wilderness. Minnesota’s moose population exists at the southern edge of the species’ North American range, which makes the animals particularly susceptible to environmental changes.
Where Minnesota Moose Live
Moose distribution in Minnesota is concentrated in two distinct populations within the northern third of the state. The most robust population is found in the northeast, primarily inhabiting the vast boreal forests of the Arrowhead region, including the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). A smaller, more vulnerable population historically occupied the northwestern region of the state, an area characterized by a mix of woodlots and farm fields known as the Aspen Parklands. Moose rely on specific habitat features, favoring young forests that produce the brushy forage they prefer, and frequently seek out wetlands, bogs, and lakeshores for essential aquatic vegetation during the warmer months.
Current Population Status
Minnesota’s moose population shows a long-term downward trend, despite recent stabilization in the northeast. The most recent aerial surveys by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) indicate the northeastern population hovers around an estimated 3,470 animals as of 2024. This number represents a stabilization after a dramatic decline that began in the mid-2000s, following a peak of approximately 8,840 moose counted across the northern range in 2006. Between 2009 and 2013, the population saw a steep drop. In stark contrast, the smaller northwestern group has suffered a collapse, dwindling from an estimated 4,000 animals in the mid-1980s to fewer than 100 today, making it functionally extirpated.
Primary Causes of Decline
The decline of the moose population is the result of several interconnected factors, with disease and climate change acting as primary stressors. One of the most significant causes of mortality is brainworm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis), a parasite carried by white-tailed deer. Deer are the natural host for this parasite and suffer no ill effects, but when moose ingest terrestrial snails or slugs—the parasite’s intermediate hosts—the larvae migrate to the moose’s central nervous system, leading to neurological disease, paralysis, and death.
Climate change acts as an overarching stressor, as moose are highly adapted to cold environments and become susceptible to heat stress when temperatures rise above 57°F in the summer or 23°F in the winter. Warmer temperatures force moose to reduce foraging time and seek thermal cover, which can lead to malnutrition and weakened immune systems.
Additionally, shorter, warmer winters have increased the survival rate of the winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus), which can infest a single moose with tens of thousands of parasites. The resulting blood loss and behavioral changes from constant irritation further weaken the animals, sometimes leading to death.
Predation, primarily by gray wolves, also contributes to the mortality rate, but it often targets animals already compromised by these underlying health issues. Research has shown that a significant percentage of wolf-killed moose have suffered from conditions like brainworm or severe tick infestations. The combination of heat stress, which reduces the animal’s ability to forage and recover, and the increased prevalence of parasites creates a cumulative health burden that makes the moose vulnerable to both disease and predation.
Observing Moose Safely
To maximize the chance of a sighting, observers should focus their efforts during the cooler parts of the day, particularly dawn and dusk. Moose are frequently found near water sources during the summer, such as ponds, bogs, and lakeshores, where they graze on aquatic plants and cool themselves. Canoeing or driving slowly along the Gunflint Trail in the northeastern Arrowhead region often provides the best viewing opportunities.
Maintaining a respectful distance is paramount for safety, as moose are large and can be unpredictable if threatened. Cows with calves are extremely protective and may charge if they perceive a threat, and bull moose can be aggressive during the autumn rut (mating season). Binoculars and telephoto lenses should be used to keep a safe distance, and observers should never attempt to approach or feed the animals.