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MARQUETTE -- The growth of the moose population in the Upper Peninsula has slowed considerably in the last couple of years, according to a DNRE report released Monday.

The survey estimates the population at 433 moose in Marquette, Baraga and northern Iron counties.  Two years ago, the estimate was 420.

A more informal estimate for the eastern counties points to fewer than 100 moose there.  In total, according to officials, the U.P. moose population is around 500.

"The results suggest that moose population growth during the past two years may have slowed down compared to growth rates we saw over the previous decade," said DNRE wildlife biologist Dean Beyer.  "However, surveys in coming years will help us determine if slowed population growth is going to be a trend, or if it's just a short-term deviation."

Legislation passed last year authorized the Natural Resources Commission to establish a moose hunting season if the commission members chose to do so.  At this point, a moose hunting season has not been established.