Isle Royal National Park announced it will temporarily close a campground used by hikers on the east end of Isle Royale as staff work to deal with a vaguely described wildlife issue. Duncan Narrows Campground Temporary Closure Planned July 6 – 8, 2026
“Due to the increasing frequency of interactions between humans and wildlife, Duncan Narrows campground will be closed starting July 6, 2026 at 10 am ET. The campground will re-open July 8, 2026 at 3 pm ET. This closure is necessary to maintain public health and safety. The closed area will be signed and monitored to ensure compliance.” -Isle Royal National Park
While the nature of the problem isn’t specified, many are concluding it has to do with the island’s resident wolves mixing with visitors. It is widely believed Isle Royal’s wolves arrived by crossing an ice bridge that formed between the island and the Canadian mainland during the winter of 1948. Since this initial population of island wolves, the population has varied from 50 animals in 1980 to a low of two animals between 2016 and 2018. The current population is estimated at 37, the most in nearly 50 years.
The camp closure was preceded by multiple warning by the park about the importance of proper food storage, not leaving trash or any scented items that could attract wolves. Scented items include things you might not expect like toothpaste and coolers with residual smells.
Hard to say what might be happening during the two day closure of the campground but we will be sure to monitor the situation and update when more information is available
CAUTION: WILDLIFE ALERT
Food storage is required on Isle Royale.
Isle Royale wolves WILL:
• Eat your food if it is not properly stored.
• Steal your belongings if they are not properly attended.
Wolves are interested in any item with a scent:
• Food.
• Trash.
• Toiletries (such as toothpaste, lip balm, etc).
• Cooking supplies.
• Grills.
• Coolers.
• Fish/fish parts.
Unless you are actively using and attending to these items, they must be properly stored at all times.
Never leave backpacks/bags unattended – keep them within an arm’s reach. Even if scented items are removed and properly stored, wolves are interested in backpacks/bags because they smell like humans. Humans = food.
Non-compliance with these regulations may result in tickets and/or fines.
Isle Royal National Park Wolf Safety Guidelines:
Wolves are usually wary of people and will leave an area when they hear or smell humans. Help keep yourself and Isle Royale wolves safe by following these guidelines:
- Do not provide food directly or indirectly. Stow your food properly to limit the smell and do not leave food or garbage in campsites or picnic areas. Dispose of fish remains in water that is at least 50 feet deep or at least 200 feet from campgrounds, water sources, and trails.
- If you meet a wolf at close range (less than 25 feet) and it does not leave or is advancing, do what you can to terminate the encounter. Back away or make noise, but do not run away. If you observe them at more than 25 feet, leave the area but do not run.
- If a wolf appears to show unusual behavior, such as lack of fear of humans, please report your sighting to park staff.
- If you come upon a dead moose, keep moving away from the carcass. Wolves may be present and will be more aggressive to protect the food source. Let park staff know the location of the carcass.
- No pets are allowed on the island. Wolves are territorial and will view a domestic canine as a threat. Domestic dogs can also spread canine diseases like parvovirus and distemper, which are deadly to wolves.
