Minnesota moose survey postponed due to insufficient snow cover

The 2025 Minnesota moose survey has been delayed until areas in the state’s northeast region receive more snow. 

The annual survey usually starts shortly after the new year and, depending on weather conditions, is completed within nine days to three weeks. 

Although much of the northeast region has adequate snow cover, areas south and southwest of Ely in the Superior National Forest remain insufficiently covered. 

“Right now, our snow depth across moose range isn’t where we wanted to be,” said Nancy Hansen, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) area wildlife manager based in Two Harbors. “We thought (we) had enough snow to start, and then we had that little bit of a warm-up right towards the end of the new year and some rain as well.” 

Hansen said the DNR prefers to have a minimum of eight inches of snow on the ground throughout the northern Minnesota moose range before starting the annual survey. 

The Minnesota DNR conducts annual aerial surveys each year by randomly selecting from 435 plots within the northern Minnesota moose range. Snow cover helps officials easily spot moose during aerial surveys.

Two bull moose seen from an aircraft in northern Minnesota | Photo by MN DNR

“We need to have a solid cover,” Hansen said. “So it’s just easier if we wait until we know we have good conditions before we start it.”

Hansen said the annual moose survey is a significant investment of time, money, and personnel. To provide the most accurate survey results to assess moose populations, she said, it’s better to wait until snow conditions improve. 

It is the second year in a row that the annual moose survey has been delayed due to minimal snow conditions. The 2024 moose survey was delayed 10 days. It occurred from Jan. 17 to Feb. 2. 

As mid-January approaches, the forecast doesn’t look hopeful for more snowfall. While there is a 30-40% chance of flurries on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9, there is no significant storm in the immediate future, according to the National Weather Service. 

The annual surveys are a collaborative effort of funding and personnel between the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the 1854 Treaty Authority, and the DNR. 

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Nancy Hansen, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) area wildlife manager based in Two Harbors about the upcoming 2025 moose survey. Audio from the interview is below. 

Kalli Hawkins January 8, 2025