MARQUETTE — Over the next few weeks and again in January and February of 2026, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will conduct a study to determine the causes of the stagnation of the moose population in the Upper Peninsula.

Joining in the study will be the Northern Michigan University Biology Department and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

“There is a need to examine why moose population growth in the Upper Peninsula has been stagnant over the past decade,” said NMU associate professor of biology Diana Lafferty.

“As such, measuring vital rates like reproduction, survival, immigration, emigration; as well as identifying factors that may be limiting moose population growth, such as parasites, disease, predation, vehicle collisions and habitat alteration are essential for understanding and modeling population dynamics.”

Over the course of the study, helicopters and planes will fly across the Michigamme Highlands area where the study is taking place.

Moose will be captured and equipped with radio collars before being released. As such, the public is advised to avoid these capture areas for safety of the crew and for the public.

“Before those activities start, we want people to know what will be happening, and just as we recommend for moose sightings and photography: keep a safe distance away,” said DNR deputy public information officer John Pepin.