Wolves Prompt Temporary Campground Closure at Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park is experiencing an unusual situation involving wolves that are becoming bold enough to interact with human visitors. Recent incidents of wolves dragging away backpacks and even entering tents have led park officials to take action.
As a precaution, the park has temporarily shut down the Three Mile Campground until July 31. This campground, located on the island’s northeast side near Rock Harbor in Lake Superior, is affected along with nearby off-trail camping zones. However, shelters at the campground remain accessible to visitors.
According to a press release from the park, a wolf has been observed in the area, displaying behavior that indicates a growing habituation to humans and reliance on human food sources. “Over the past week, a wolf has been spotted in the campground, sniffing and pawing at tents, dragging backpacks away from tents and entering a tent,” the park stated.
In response to this behavior, the park has implemented stricter food storage regulations and employed hazing techniques such as loud noises and paintball guns. Despite these efforts, wolves persist in their interest in human food and refuse.
Park Superintendent Denice Swanke emphasized the importance of securing all food, trash, and scented items to protect both visitors and wildlife. “Visitor safety and the protection of wildlife are our highest priorities,” Swanke said.
This precautionary closure follows a similar temporary shutdown of the Duncan Narrows Campground earlier in the week, aimed at reducing human-wildlife interactions.
Additionally, a recent survey by Michigan Tech University reported that the wolf population on Isle Royale has surged to 37, nearing historical highs not seen since the late 1970s, while the moose numbers have declined sharply. This is a significant recovery from 2016 and 2017 when only two wolves were observed, prompting the National Park Service to relocate 19 wolves to the island in 2018 and 2019.
During the closure, park staff will intensify hazing efforts and install devices to alert both visitors and personnel of wolf activity near Rock Harbor, Three Mile, and Daisy Farm Campgrounds. The park aims to reopen the affected sites by August 1, although the situation remains fluid, and further closures may be necessary.
