Two moose die as Michigan DNR expands U.P. collaring study to 56 animals
MARQUETTE, Mich. – Two elk died during wildlife survey efforts in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula last month, but officials say the project has now placed data-collecting tracking collars on 56 animals.
Scientists are studying the herd to determine why the population has remained stable or even declined, rather than growing toward predictions of up to 1,000 animals. Last month wildlife crews spent four days capturing, capturing and releasing 41 deer; This is more than double the number addressed in last year’s efforts.
On the first day of fieldwork in mid-February, teams handled and released four deer. Two people, including a mature cow and a young bull, died while recovering from sedation.
“The work we do involves risks associated with the capture of wildlife, and we take great precautions to ensure these risks are minimized,” said Tyler Petroelje. Northern Michigan State Department of Natural Resources wildlife research specialist.
File photo of aerial deer population survey
The process involves a helicopter crew clearing a deer from the forest and shooting it with a tranquilizer dart. A ground team collects biological samples, attaches a radio collar to the animal’s neck, and then injects a drug that reverses the effects of the tranquilizers.
The entire process usually takes about 45 minutes to complete.
“These deer and the biological samples and collar data they provide will be invaluable in helping us better understand the factors that limit survival and population growth in the core deer herd,” Petroelje said.
Field team with tranquilized bull moose
Researchers have already collected 22,000 GPS locations from newly captured elk, in addition to the more than 200,000 GPS locations collected from elk captured last year. study started last year and funded until 2028.
“It will be exciting to see what additional information we can gather now that we have 56 collared deer on the property,” said Kyle Seppanen, wildlife coordinator for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.
Necropsies showed that the young bull had no underlying disease. But the cow had severe lung and liver disease, which likely complicated sedation and led to her death.
Following the deaths, researchers modified their protocols to shorten the time each deer was under anesthesia.
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Officials estimate the core elk herd at about 300 animals, based on the DNR’s 2025 aerial survey of the species’ distribution in Marquette, Baraga and Iron counties. The estimate represents a decline of about 30% from the 426 deer counted in the survey two years ago.
Researchers want to determine whether the elk herd is declining, migrating from historically studied areas, or a combination of both.
“Where do deer go? What habitats do they use and when?” said Seppanen. “I look forward to confirming births this spring and watching the calves survive the rest of the year.”
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Known predators of elk in the Upper Peninsula include gray wolves and black bears, which primarily prey on calves and weakened adults.
Vehicle collisions also pose a significant risk. At least 60 deer were killed Killed by vehicles He has been in Michigan for the past four years, authorities said.
There is another environmental factor.
say deer vulnerable to winter ticks. Field teams have documented individual animals carrying tens of thousands of ticks in a single season. The resulting blood loss, skin irritation and hair loss can be fatal, especially in freezing winter conditions.
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