Minnesota Moose Population Is Half What It Was 10 Years Ago

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has shared results of their 2025 moose survey. The DNR uses aerial surveys to estimate population numbers. They conducted the surveys over the winter to count moose.

Less foliage in the winter makes it easier to spot. The survey area is approximately 5,945 square miles (which is over 3.8 million acres) in Northeastern Minnesota, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

DNR Estimates There Are 4,040 Moose In Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources estimates that there are 4,040 moose in Northern Minnesota. This number follows a trend of stability, with around 3700 moose in recent years.

Read more: Why You Should Take Down Your Birdfeeders Now In Minnesota

Get our free mobile app

Still less than half of the moose we had in 2009

In 2009 there was a steep decline in the population. There were approximately 8,000 moose at the time, which is double what we currently are seeing.

Climate Change, Predators, and Parasites

Warmer temperatures are affecting the moose population in Minnesota. Parasites, wolves, and bears also can kill off calves. There was a steep decline in the population between 2009-2013. The peak of the population was in 2006 when the DNR estimate there were 8,840 moose.

Moose are no longer counted in Northwestern Minnesota

The aerial survey was conducted in Northeastern Minnesota. Years ago, they also counted moose in Northwestern Minnesota, but so few moose exist in the area that the DNR stopped doing surveys, according to the Moose Mission Minnesota.

Experts Say Climate Change Is Biggest Factor For Long-Term Population

Experts say that climate change is the biggest factor for the long-term population of Moose in Northern Minnesota. They would like to see the moose numbers go up, but they are at least happy the numbers have remained stable this year.