Moose population in North America mapped

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The moose, scientifically known as Alces alces, is the largest extant species in the deer family (Cervidae). They are native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Moose are known for their massive size, with males, called bulls, typically weighing between 380 and 700 kilograms (840 and 1,540 pounds), and females, called cows, weighing between 200 and 490 kilograms (440 and 1,080 pounds).

Moose populate the northern Hemisphere’s boreal, mixed, and temperate broadleaf forests. Hunt and different human activities have induced a decrease in the moose’s population over time.

Moose population in Nort America

The moose population in North America is decreasing quickly. This drop has been connected to the opening of highways and landscapes into the north range of moose.

In North America, the moose range covers practically all of Canada and Alaska, northern New England and upstate New York, the upper Rocky Mountains, northern Minnesota, north of Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and Isle Royale.

In 2023, the North American moose population was estimated at approximately 1,000,000 animals. The most significant number of moose (about 700,000) lives in Canada.

Moose population in the United States

In the United States, Approximately 300000 moose in 19 states Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The largest moose specimens are found in Alaska, 200,000 moose.

The map below shows the U.S. states scaled by moose population.

Moose play a significant role in North American ecosystems, particularly in their impact on vegetation and as a food source for predators. As herbivores, they help shape plant communities by selectively feeding on certain species, which can influence the diversity and composition of forests and wetlands. Their browsing behavior can create openings in the canopy, allowing light to reach the forest floor and promoting the growth of understory plants.

Additionally, moose serve as an important food source for predators such as wolves and bears. Their abundance or scarcity can affect predator populations, as well as scavenger species that rely on moose carcasses for food.

Moose also contribute to nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Their browsing activities can redistribute nutrients from one area to another through their feces, which can benefit plant growth.