The annual January survey from helicopters faced a lack of snow across much of Northeastern Minnesota.

Mar 06, 20240

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A bull moose photographed during the annual January aerial survey of Northeastern Minnesota's moose population. This year's survey estimate was up a bit from 2023 but still way down from historic highs 20 years ago. Contributyed / Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

DULUTH - Northeastern Minnesota's moose herd continues to hang on, up a tick over last year but still just a fraction of the modern high population of 20 years ago.

That was the report issued Monday by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources after the agency's annual winter moose aerial survey.

The survey estimated 3,470 moose across the core range - essentially Lake, Cook and northern St. Louis counties - which is up 5% from 3,290 in 2023 but still down from 4,700 in 2022.

https://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sports/northland-outdoors/minnesota-moose-population-up-a-tick-but-remains-at-risk