If you are a moose enthusiast visiting Minnesota, you will know that you can find these majestic creatures over one landmark in the area – the Voyageurs National Park. However, you may be wondering what the best places to catch sight of moose are – after all, it is a very large area. So – where can you see moose in the National Park?
There are three main areas where you are likely to see Moose in Voyageurs National Park. These are the Kabetogama Peninsula, along the trail on Cruiser Lake, or sometimes as they catch a drink at a sparsely populated pond. However, there are plenty of moose around the park, and they can also show up in unexpected places!
So, if you are curious to learn about these areas and what encourages moose to visit them, you are right where you need to be! This is because, in this article, we will explore all you need to know about moose in the Voyageurs National Park. In addition, we will discuss the moose population in Minnesota and their fascinating lives in the area.
Where To Find Moose In Voyageurs National Park
Moose tend to thrive in boreal forests, which cover a large area of the Voyageurs National Park. This is why this park has a large population of these animals. In fact, it is one of just a small number of National Parks on this side of the United States where this animal can be seen, and lest you forget, moose are quite the sight to behold!
Many visitors come to the National Park hoping to catch a glimpse of the majestic moose, but they can miss their opportunity if they don’t know where to look. So, to make your search easier, we will go over the areas in the Park where you are likely to find a moose. Keep in mind they do not like to be disturbed, and of course, there is no certainty you will see one.
One of the first areas to check is the Kabetogama area in the park, which covers a large area of the National Park. This is one of the most popular dwellings of the moose populations, and their growth and movement over years have been extensively studied. You are pretty likely to catch a moose around this area if you know where to look.
In fact, here’s a rare video of a mother with her two twin calves on a trail near the Kabetogama region!
A mama moose with twins in northern Minnesota!
Another place you might find moose, especially in the summer period, is near the Cruiser Lake Trail. Since these trails are rarely densely populated by people, you have a great chance of catching a glimpse of a moose in the area. Hiking is generally recommended, although you can also access the area by boat and explore around as well!
Finally, the best approach to take with a moose sighting is to explore the park without pressure. You are likely to come across moose in remote and quiet areas, where there is plenty of fresh water to drink and spaces where they won’t feel threatened. One of the recommendations a lot of visitors make is to locate empty beaver ponds.
No matter what, if you manage to see a moose, do keep safety in mind. For one, you should always keep a safe distance between you and the moose. This is especially the case if you see a cow (a mother) and her calves. Because of her protective nature, she may be suspicious and feel provoked if approached.
While the moose in the Voyageurs National Park are a wonder of nature and are known to be docile and not prone to attacks, it is important to respect the animal’s space while also protecting yourself no matter what!
About The Moose Population In Voyageurs National Park
Because of its dense forests and open, serene space, Voyageurs National park has had a consistent moose population that has steadily remained in the area. According to the National Park Service, their numbers have stayed at a steady 40-50 since the 1990s, even though the moose population in the state is steadily declining.
There are many different reasons for this decline. Between the risk of disease, predation from other animals in the wild, and the change in climate over the years, there has been a marked impact on the life cycle and the number of moose in the area.
One of the areas where study continues to happen between the park and scientific experts is how temperature impacts moose and how different efforts can be made to keep their populations stable despite changes to temperature.
However, protection efforts are underway to keep the moose in the Voyageurs National Park and the larger Minnesota area safe and healthy by providing a natural and safe ecosystem where they can thrive! Conservation efforts have helped maintain numbers for all these years and will hopefully lead to population growth in the coming years!
Final Thoughts
For the Voyageurs National Park, moose are an important part of the ecosystem in the area. And so, many visitors come to see the wonder of these beautiful creatures. Luckily, there are still many spots where you can catch a glimpse of moose at the Park, especially if you are willing to hike along some of the more remote trails. It may be a bit of a walk, but at the end of the day, the sight of a moose in real life will be well worth the work!