Lake Superior Podcast

S7 E7: The Future of Moose in Minnesota: What a New Study of Young Moose Could Reveal — with Michelle Carstensen

National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation Season 7 Episode 7

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0:00 | 33:43

No mammal represents Minnesota’s north shore better than the moose. The winter of 2026 has been busy and significant for these majestic animals.  Through the Northern Moose Alliance (www.moosealliance.org), a joint effort between Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 1854 Treaty Authority, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation, 60 juvenile moose were collared to launch a study on why the moose population has seen a 60% decline in recent years. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Michelle Carstensen, Wildlife Health Group Leader for the Minnesota’s DNR about the project and the partnerships that have come together to better learn about the region’s moose.

We’d love to keep you updated as this work evolves and share ways you can help protect moose as opportunities arise. 

Join the Northern Moose Alliance’s quarterly newsletter for exclusive updates, expert moose insights, and actions you can take: https://moosealliance.org/subscribe/ 

Quotes

“It's been a very moose-filled winter for us, which, if you ask me, is a great way to spend the winter.” 

“What we want to know is how many can survive over winter and at what age they become reproductively contributing to the population.”

“We were missing that middle cohort of animals, which is a huge driver if you want to have a population that’s going to grow.”

“We’re trying to understand why the moose population has been kind of stagnant.”

“It’s our role as stewards to try to help this population thrive.”

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Sponsors:

  • Cafe Imports – Minneapolis-based importers of specialty green coffees since 1993, focused on sustainability. Learn more: cafeimports.com
  • National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation – Donate to protect Lake Superior’s five national parks: nplsf.org/donate