The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking drivers in the Upper Peninsula to watch out for moose and use caution when driving after dark, the department said Friday.
Over the past week, five bull moose were hit and killed by vehicles along parts of M-95 and U.S Highways 141 and 41 West in Marquette and Baraga counties.
All of the incidents happened after darkness fell and in areas marked with “moose crossing” signs, according to John Pepin, Michigan Department of Natural Resources deputy public information officer.
Three of the crashes happened June 10, two in Baraga County and one in Marquette County:
- Baraga County – a mile west of Nestoria on U.S. Highway 41
- Baraga County – 1.5 miles south of Covington on U.S. Highway 141
- Marquette County on M-95, a half-mile south of its intersection with U.S. Highway 41
Two additional vehicle-moose accidents were reported June 13:
- Baraga County on U.S. Highway 41 at the crossing of Tioga Creek
- Marquette County on M-95, 1.5 miles south of its intersection with U.S. Highway 41.
A sixth bull moose was killed May 27 along U.S. Highway 41 in Baraga County, 1.5 miles east of Alberta.
“Many people driving in the U.P. see moose and many people stop to look and take pictures, especially during the summer travel season,” Pepin said. “Folks doing this need to remember to pull safely off onto the shoulder of the road, watch for passing traffic and keep a safe distance from these wild animals.”
The most recent DNR moose survey from February 2019 estimated 509 moose in the western U.P. The next survey is planned for 2024.
The moose population is estimated to grow at an average of about 2% each year. The western U.P. moose range covers about 1,400 square miles.