U.P. Moose Population Shows Little Growth
TRAVERSE CITY (AP) - As state officials consider allowing moose hunting in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, a survey indicates the population has grown little in the past two years.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment says its biennial census turned up 433 moose in Marquette, Baraga and northern Iron counties. Combined with a smaller herd estimated at fewer than 100 in the eastern U.P., officials say the entire population is around 500.
That doesn't include the hundreds living on Isle Royale in Lake Superior.
Department biologist Dean Beyer says it appears the growth in moose numbers has slowed lately, but it's too early to know whether that will continue.
Legislation enacted in December allows the Natural Resources Commission to establish a moose hunt. A panel was created to study the matter and make recommendations.
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