Wolves Make a Comeback at Michigan's Isle Royale National Park

North American WolfPhoto byWikimedia

Wolves are making a remarkable comeback at Michigan's Isle Royale National Park after nearly disappearing because of inbreeding and disease.

Researchers from Michigan Technological University found that the wolf population on the island has increased from two individuals in 2018 to 31 today.

The scientists suspect that up to five female wolves may have pups this summer, showing further growth. These findings mark a significant step towards restoring the island's predator-prey balance.

But, the number of moose has declined to 967 individuals from 1,346 last year and 2,060 in 2019. Starvation is the leading cause of death among the moose, as their primary winter food source, balsam fir saplings, is infested with spruce budworms.

Additionally, the moose contribute to their own demise by overbrowsing the young trees, hindering their maturation, and preventing the creation of more fir trees.

The National Park Service began reintroducing wolves to the island in 2018, resulting in successful breeding and the birth of new wolf litter in subsequent years.

Isle Royale National Park, established in 1940, attracts visitors for its untouched landscape and offers activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and scuba diving.

Researchers have been studying the complex relationship between wolves and moose on Isle Royale since 1958, making it the world's longest-running predator-prey study. The island's remote location and simple ecosystem make it an ideal setting for long-term research projects.

The survey of the moose and wolf populations involved seven weeks of observation between January and March. Researchers employed aerial surveys and ground-based methods such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to count the animals.