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The moose population in the Western Upper Peninsula appears to dropping, according to a new survey by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The DNR says the 2015 population estimate is 323, compared to an estimate of 451 in 2013.
From 1997 to 2007, surveys of prime moose habitat in Baraga, Iron and Marquette counties suggested the U.P.’s moose population was growing at a modest rate of about 10 percent per year.
From 2009 to 2013, survey results showed an apparent change in that trend, with the growth rate slowing to about 2 percent per year.
Researchers say possible causes for the decline include back-to-back harsh winters, climate change and more wolves in the U.P.
The next moose population survey is planned for early 2017.
However, given moose population trends, the DNR will again recommend to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission that there be no moose hunt in the state.
