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About the Project

Shining a Light on Wisconsin’s Hidden Moose
How It Started

Most people are surprised to hear that moose live in Wisconsin at all — and honestly, I was too.
The moment I saw my very first moose in the Northwoods, everything changed. One gigantic, quiet, impossible-to-miss animal somehow had been missed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

That encounter sparked a question I couldn’t shake:

How can something this big be living here… but almost no one knows about it?

When I learned moose aren’t officially recognized as a resident species in Wisconsin — and receive no dedicated monitoring or conservation attention — curiosity turned into commitment. I started collecting sightings, organizing clues, and documenting any evidence I could find. What began as a hobby slowly transformed into an 9-year (and counting) independent research project.

First Encounter

First Encounter

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The Mission

Wisconsin’s moose deserve to be seen, understood, and acknowledged.
My focus is on documenting real, verifiable moose presence across the state, filling the data gap that currently keeps them from being recognized as a resident species, and sharing what I learn so more people can appreciate these elusive giants. Every sighting, track, trail camera photo, or story helps strengthen the bigger picture of where moose are spending time — and why it matters.

Composite of news headlines from Michigan and Minnesota about moose populations: Michigan’s population is declining, Minnesota’s is stable but still facing challenges.

Why It Matters

Moose in the Midwest face challenges, especially in neighboring regions, and Wisconsin’s population is small and easy to overlook. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t here or that their presence isn’t important.

By consistently gathering and analyzing verified moose sightings, we can build a clearer understanding of their long-term presence, identify the habitats they rely on, and support the case for official recognition and protection. Awareness begins with responsible data collection — always handled with care and privacy in mind.

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Game trail leading into a marsh with black spruce and tamarack trees visible in the distance.
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What Makes This Project Different

This project isn’t run by a government agency or a university. It’s one person — fueled by curiosity, persistence, and many quiet hours in the woods — working to bring visibility to Wisconsin’s moose. Over time, it has grown into a community effort. Everyone who shares a sighting, spreads the word, or supports the work becomes part of the story.

In 2024, friends, neighbors, and even complete strangers came together through an Experiment.com campaign to help replace failing camera equipment — a reminder that people truly care about this species and want to see the research continue.

Your interest helps keep the project going.
Your sightings help bring clarity to something that has gone undocumented for far too long.

Moose tracks in mud, with one track directly over-registering the other.

Be Part of the Story

Every observation matters. Whether it’s a clear photograph, a blurry trail-cam clip, a track in the mud, or a moment of “Was that really a moose?”, you’re helping reveal what’s been hidden.

Share a sighting.

Explore the latest updates.
Help spread awareness.

Together, we can make sure Wisconsin’s moose aren’t hidden anymore.

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