Welcome to “Moose Browse”

Updates From the Field with Moose Researcher Adam Mortensen

By Adam Mortensen

Hello, and welcome to the first installment of “Moose Browse”. I’m Adam Mortensen and I serve as the moose biologist for the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation. I work alongside partners in the Northern Moose Alliance – including the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Grand Portage), the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR), and the 1854 Treaty Authority (1854) to better understand moose in Minnesota.

In addition to providing high quality moose research, we want to improve public engagement with the valuable research happening in this state. To do that, we’re pulling back the curtain to show you the day-to-day of studying moose. That’s where this column comes in.

“Moose Browse” offers a look behind the scenes at moose research in action. Here, we share regular updates that include descriptions of specific tasks we’re trying to complete, tales from the field, a look at the wide range of gear moose biologists use, and anything else that we think makes wildlife research exciting.

I’ll use this first post to tell you a little bit more on who I am. I grew up in southeastern Wisconsin where I developed a love for wildlife through canoe trips in northern Wisconsin and backpacking trips on Isle Royale. I completed my undergraduate degrees in wildlife ecology and management along with environmental studies at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. After college, I worked as a field technician on projects across the United States including pronghorn in California, mountain lions in Nebraska, wolves on Isle Royale, and elk, wolves, and mountain lions in New Mexico. I then moved to Duluth to start my master’s degree at the University of Minnesota – Duluth where I investigated the landscape use and diet of fishers as they recolonize southern Minnesota.

That brings us to November of 2025 when I began this position as a moose biologist. I’m thrilled to be living and working in the Northwoods again and am eager to dive deep into the ecology of moose in Minnesota. Please join me and the rest of the Northern Moose Alliance team as we continue to learn more about moose (“mooz” in Anishninaabemowin) in Minnesota, and keep your eyes peeled for the next installment of “Moose Browse.”

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About “Moose Browse” 

“Moose Browse” offers a look behind the scenes at Northeast Minnesota moose research in action. These regular updates will include descriptions of specific tasks we’re trying to complete, tales from the field, a look at the wide range of gear moose biologists use, and anything else that we think makes wildlife research exciting. Adam’s work, and this column, are part of the Northern Moose Alliance and will soon be hosted on a dedicated website. Stay tuned for more information and sign up here to join the Northern Moose Alliance email list. 

About NPLSF

The National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF) exists to provide financial support for projects and programs that preserve the natural resources and cultural heritage of the five Lake Superior national parks: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Grand Portage National Monument, Isle Royale National Park, Keweenaw National Historical Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Funded through grants and private donations, NPLSF projects and programs ensure that these great parks and historic sites are maintained for the enjoyment of all current and future visitors.

To learn how you can support our work visit nplsf.org/donate.