Boundary Waters Moose

Last week the DNR announced that the total estimated Minnesota Moose population was less than 2,800 animals.  The DNR decided to close bull moose hunting in 2013 in response to the steep population decline that occurred in 2012.

After years of research trying to determine why the moose population is declining the cause is still unknown. Climate warming, predators, parasites, hunting and habitat change are all possible sited factors. 

People Watching at Rockwood Lodge


For those of us living along the Gunflint Trail the declining moose population comes as no surprise. Lin and I have gone from seeing a moose on almost every trip into towm to only accasionally spotting a moose! Last year is was a rare event for us to see a moose mom with a calf. While our guests still report seeing moose, the reports are concentrated in smaller areas within the BWCAW.

It is hard for us to imagine living in the North Country without having moose nearby. After years of living here, we are just as thrilled to come across a moose in the wild as our guests. Steps in reducing all of the possible factors that might be influencing the declining moose population need to be taken along with additional research being conducted by the DNR. .