The results are in: 2025 moose survey shows stable population

Each year the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) conducts an aerial survey of the Northeast area of the state, looking for moose. The MN DNR postponed the survey due to lack of snow for second year in a row, but the survey is now complete, and the results point to another stable year for the Minnesota moose population.

MN DNR Area Wildlife Manager Nancy Hansen told WTIP that the area is divided into 435 plots, each five miles long and just under three miles wide. Most are designated by different moose densities, based on expected population, with some additional plots categorized based on their habitat.

Each year the survey counts moose in a different set of plots in an effort to get a holistic view of the state’s population. Those numbers are plugged into a complicated mathematical model that results in an estimate of the entire population.

Hansen said this year’s population estimate of 4,040 moose shows a stable population, even if it is lower than conservationists want. Last year’s survey estimated 3,470 animals. Both years are still only half of the roughly 8,000 moose the surveys of the early 2000s showed, but Hansen said, “What’s feeling good is that we seem to be hanging on at that level. We don’t seem to be dropping in number. So that part is good. We’re calling it stable.”

While the primary aim of the survey may be to get a sense of the population overall, Hansen said scientists take note of additional information, as well. She said they track the number of bulls and cows seen, and the breakdown of adult animals versus calves. They also note condition, if possible, such as whether the moose has bare patches of fur, which could be an indicator of a large winter tick load.

The ratio of adult cows to calves, according to Hansen, is particularly important for getting a sense of the health of the population. The DNR conducts a radio collar-based study of cows, so Hansen said researchers know there is generally a strong pregnancy rate. Getting an estimate on how many calves have made it to the mid-winter point gives them a look at calf survival rates.

Beyond the survey, the MN DNR has more projects in store for the moose of Minnesota. Hansen said they will be partnering with the 1854 Treaty Authority for a new multi-year study focussing on calves. That study will begin this summer.

Over the past two years the MN DNR has used funding through the America The Beautiful Challenge for moose habitat conservation work. Hansen said that while the two-year grant has elapsed, the work is ongoing, and the inter-agency connections remain. “We’ve got all these partners in place that want to do really big things on the landscape to improve habitat for moose,” she said, “And we still have a partnership amongst many different agencies with the Moose Habitat Collaborative, and they’re getting project work done all over the place.”

WTIP’s Kirsten Wisniewski spoke with MN DNR Area Wildlife Manager Nancy Hansen. Audio of the interview is below.

Kirsten Wisniewski March 11, 2025