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MOOSE
Wyoming
Largest member of the deer family — adult males (bulls) can weigh 900–1,600 lbs, females (cows) 600–800 lbs.
Distinctive antlers — males grow broad, palmate antlers that can span up to 6 feet across
Keen senses — poor eyesight but extraordinary hearing and smell to detect predators and navigate
Protective mothers — cows fiercely defend calves from bears, wolves, and other threats,
Slow to reproduce — females typically have just one calf per year, making population recovery difficult.
Symbol of the wild — embody strength, resilience, and wilderness, playing an important role in ecosystems across North America.
Cold-adapted — thrive in northern climates; their long legs, thick coat, and insulating skin help them survive harsh winters,
Moose Protection
At BoxMoose, our name carries meaning. The moose is a symbol of strength, resilience, and independence — values we live by in business. But beyond branding, the moose is a living giant of the American wilderness, and today it needs our help.
Moose populations in Wyoming have been declining for decades due to habitat loss, climate change, disease, and vehicle collisions. Without protection, future generations may lose the chance to see these majestic animals roaming free through mountain valleys and wetlands.
That’s why we’ve launched the BoxMoose Conservation Initiative — a charity dedicated to protecting Wyoming’s moose. Through awareness, funding, and partnerships with local conservation groups, we are working to:
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Protect habitats critical to moose survival.
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Support research on disease and climate impacts.
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Reduce road collisions through safe wildlife crossings.
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Educate communities on coexistence and conservation.
For us, protecting the moose means more than conservation — it means safeguarding a symbol of the wild that inspires everything we do.
Join us in protecting Wyoming’s moose. Together, we can ensure their strength endures for generations.
Moose Population Decline in Wyoming: A Century at a Glance
Historical Estimates & Declines
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Late 1980s
Statewide moose population estimates ranged between 12,500 and 13,000 animals. This era also saw hunting licenses issued in 36 hunt areas across 15 herds, with a harvest accounting for roughly 11–13% of the moose population, equaling about 5–8% of cow moose, -
2015
The statewide total dropped to approximately 3,470 moose, far below the updated population objective of 4,355. Licensing was heavily reduced—397 licenses across 37 hunt areas (with 5 closed) led to only about 310 bull moose and 42 antlerless harvests. -
Jackson Herd (Jackson Hole region)
Once healthy, this herd plummeted from an estimated 3,000–5,000 moose in the early 1990s to an average of just 280 individuals from 2016–2020. -
Mid-1990s to 2017 Trend
Some reports suggested numbers declined from over 10,000 in the mid-1990s to around 1,500 by 2017, though wildlife officials noted park-specific data or estimation changes may have skewed the drop’s steepness
Key Drivers of Decline
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Climate Change & Winter Ticks
In northern Wyoming (e.g., Jackson), moose populations have dropped by an estimated 80% since the early 1990s. Scientists link this decline partly to rising winter tick infestations, which increase with warmer winters and shorter cold seasons. -
Habitat & Environmental Stress
In Jackson Hole, populations grew from about 600 (1950) to 3,000–5,000 (early 1990s), but began falling due to habitat damage, over-browsing, wildfires, and heat stress impairing moose conditions. -
Predation & Ecosystem Changes
In Yellowstone regions, fires (especially the 1988 blaze), predation from bears and wolves, and competition with other browsers (elk, bison) have impeded moose forage recovery and reproduction.
Summary Overview
Period Estimated Moose Population (WY)
Late 1980s~ 12,500–13,000
2015~ 3,470
Mid-1990s Jackson region: ~3,000–5,000
2016–2020 Jackson region: ~280
What This Means
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We’re witnessing a steep decline—over two-thirds lost statewide since the late 1980s.
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Localized collapses are alarming, especially in Jackson Hole, where numbers have dwindled from thousands to mere hundreds.
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Multiple factors—climate stress, parasites, habitat loss, predation, and over browsing—are at play, making conservation complex and urgent