Alarming Surge in Michigan Moose Collisions: What You Need to Know

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Authorities in Michigan are urging drivers in the Upper Peninsula to stay vigilant to avoid collisions with moose.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reports that since 2021, there have been 60 incidents where moose have been fatally struck by vehicles in the U.P. These accidents predominantly occur during the summer and autumn, with the highest frequency in September and October, according to a DNR report.

One notable incident involved a female moose with twin calves, which was killed by a vehicle on U.S. 141 in Iron County, an area known for frequent moose sightings. Officials express concern that the death of the mother moose likely means her calves will struggle to survive without her.

Although no human fatalities have resulted from these collisions, the authorities emphasize the importance of driver awareness and caution.

“In a sense, Michigan has been very lucky,” Tyler Petroelje, the DNR’s northern Michigan wildlife research specialist, said in a statement. “But at the same time, I think that’s one of those things that is a reality it could happen at any point.”

Since 2021, the U.P. has averaged 15 moose deaths per year. Between 1984 and 2020, that number was just over 5 per year. Twenty moose were killed in 2022 alone, according to the DNR.

Experts say increasing deaths due to crashes are particularly concerning because the moose population has been relatively stagnant for the past decade.

“We could have as many as 5% of our moose population hit and killed by vehicles in a given year,” Petroelje said. “In that sense, it’s fairly significant when we’re thinking about factors that could limit moose population growth.”

According to the DNR, the increase in collisions is likely due to the core moose herd’s southward shift into more populated areas over the last 10 to 15 years. Many recent crashes have happened on highways in the area bordered by southern Baraga County, eastern Iron County and southwest Marquette County.

The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning encourages drivers to stay alert, be mindful of animal crossing signs, slow down on sections of highway known to have high moose traffic and use high beam headlights at night. Most crashes occur at night when moose are less visible.

“Moose pose a unique crash hazard in the Upper Peninsula that isn’t seen in lower Michigan,” OHSP Director Alicia Sledge wrote in a statement. “Residents and tourists driving in the Upper Peninsula should exercise caution when traveling in moose country.”

If you hit a large animal such as a moose, stay in your car, turn on the emergency flashers and move your car to the shoulder of the road. If you are unable to move the car, watch your surroundings when exiting the car and move away from traffic. Contact police to report the crash as soon as possible.