The moose is an iconic image of northern wilderness, but its presence in Wisconsin often sparks curiosity. Moose were once abundant across the northern half of the state but were largely extirpated by the early 1900s due to unregulated hunting and habitat loss. Today, occasional sightings confirm they are back, though their foothold remains precarious. This small population represents a natural expansion from neighboring states, making Wisconsin the southern edge of their range.
Current Status of Wisconsin’s Moose Population
Wisconsin maintains a moose population, but its numbers are consistently low and considered non-established. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) estimates the population to be around 20 to 40 individuals. This small group is not a self-sustaining herd, but rather a collection of animals, primarily younger males, that have wandered south from Minnesota and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The state is home to very few cows, with estimates suggesting no more than two to four breeding females. Moose are classified as a non-game species in Wisconsin, meaning they are not hunted, and state law prohibits their taking or killing.
Primary Habitats and Range
Consistent sightings of moose are concentrated in Wisconsin’s northernmost region, a landscape that closely resembles their preferred habitat. These animals are most frequently documented in the Northern Highland region, with counties like Vilas, Oneida, Iron, and Ashland reporting the highest number of observations.
Moose prefer a mix of environments, including boreal forests, dense conifer-hardwood forests, and low-lying wetlands. They utilize young, second-growth forests and marsh edges for browsing on shrubs and aquatic vegetation, which offers necessary food sources and dense cover for cooling during warmer months.
Factors Limiting Population Expansion
The primary factor suppressing the growth of Wisconsin’s moose population is the prevalence of the meningeal worm, Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, commonly called brainworm. This parasitic nematode is carried harmlessly by white-tailed deer, which are numerous throughout northern Wisconsin, often exceeding the density dangerous for moose.
When a moose ingests the parasite’s larvae, typically by consuming infected snails or slugs on vegetation, the worm migrates to the central nervous system. This causes severe neurological damage, leading to symptoms like disorientation, blindness, and paralysis, which are fatal to the moose.
Rising temperatures also present a physical challenge, since moose are cold-adapted mammals that struggle with heat stress. Their thick coats and large body size make them susceptible to overheating when summer temperatures rise above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Warmer winters reduce the duration of deep snow cover, allowing white-tailed deer to expand their range further north. This increases the overlap between the two species and accelerates the spread of the brainworm parasite. Climate change combined with the brainworm acts as an ecological barrier, preventing moose from establishing a robust population base in the state.
Reporting and Monitoring Sightings
Public involvement is a valuable component of monitoring the state’s rare wildlife. The Wisconsin DNR relies on public reports to help track the movement, health, and distribution of these animals.
Sightings can be submitted through the DNR’s online wildlife observation tool or via the volunteer-based Snapshot Wisconsin trail camera network. These data points provide biologists with a complete picture of how many moose are entering the state and where they are spending their time. If you encounter a moose, observe the animal from a safe distance and avoid sudden movements or noises, as they can become defensive if they feel threatened.