Mohamed Bughrara

Moose sightings in Nevada have been rare since the 1950s, but sightings began to increase in the state’s northeast corner in the 2010’s.

According to state wildlife officials, this is the first time a big game species has returned to Nevada without a concentrated relocation effort.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife projected that there were between 30 and 50 moose in the state by 2018.

Now, Nevada appears to be a moose kingdom of sorts, as more and more moose from Idaho and Utah make their way. According to department biologist Kari Huebner, the total number of moose surpassed 100.

The moose population in Idaho is approaching 12,000, while Utah has about 3,000. The ungulates, which are the largest members of the deer family, are most likely migrating over from Southern Idaho and Western Utah, where populations are increasing and spilling over. 

Huebner explained to the Reno Gazette Journal, “We did absolutely nothing. It’s like the moose have chosen us… It’s something they’ve done completely on their own…. There’s a lot more moose habitat in Nevada than people realize”

As the NDOW continues to collect data on the state’s burgeoning moose population, anyone who sees one is asked to call 775-688-1500.