Michigan Department of Natural Resources photo A moose stands in a wetland area alongside U.S. 41 in Marquette County.

MARQUETTE — Motorists are warned to be watchful and drive with caution in the Upper Peninsula, especially at night, after five bull moose were struck and killed within four days this month in Baraga and Marquette counties.

Three of the five crashes came on June 10, two in Baraga County and one in Marquette County, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The incidents in Baraga County were a mile west of Nestoria on U.S. 41 and 1.5 miles south of Covington on U.S. 141. The mishap in Marquette County was on M-95, a half-mile south of its intersection with U.S. 41.

Two additional vehicle-moose accidents happened June 13, one in Baraga County on U.S. 41 at the crossing of Tioga Creek, the second in Marquette County on M-95, 1.5 miles south of the U.S. 41 intersection.

Earlier, on May 27, a bull moose was killed along U.S. 41 in Baraga County, 1.5 miles east of Alberta.

“All of the moose killed were struck after darkness fell, when moose, especially the darker-colored bulls, are more difficult for motorists to see,” said John Pepin, DNR deputy public information officer. “Each of these accidents occurred in areas marked with ‘moose crossing’ signs.”

DNR wildlife biologist Brian Roell said autumn, when moose are mating, is more commonly a time for moose to be traveling.

The most recent DNR moose survey, done in February 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic, estimated the western Upper Peninsula had 509 moose.

The next survey is planned for 2024. The moose population is anticipated to grow at an average of about 2% each year. The western U.P. moose range covers about 1,400 square miles.

Pepin added, “Many people driving in the U.P. see moose and many people stop to look and take pictures, especially during the summer travel season. Folks doing this need to remember to pull safely off onto the shoulder of the road, watch for passing traffic and keep a safe distance from these wild animals.”

For more information on moose in Michigan, go online to Michigan.gov/Moose.