Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park has temporarily closed individual tent and group campsites and prohibiting tent and hammock use at Three Mile Campground for safety concerns stemming from close encounters with the island’s resident wolves. Off-trail camping zones surrounding the area will also be closed but permanent shelters at the campground will remain open. The closure is currently in place through July 31.
“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 wolf has become increasingly bold, showing signs of habituation and a growing reliance on human food.”
The park rangers have addressed the issue through hazing, improved trash and recycling management, and stricter food storage rules, however the seems undeterred and its interest in human food and trash continues.
“This recent focus on tents and backpacks at Three Mile Campground is a serious concern.”
During the closure, park staff will intensify hazing efforts during daylight hours in campgrounds and developed areas to discourage the wolf from returning. Hazing methods include loudly shouting, stomping, clapping, sounding airhorns, and discharging paintball guns. Staff will also install noise-producing devices around Rock Harbor, Three Mile, and Daisy Farm Campgrounds to alert staff and visitors of wolf presence.
The closure will be monitored and evaluated. The goal is to reopen the tent and group sites and off trail zones on August 1, but the closure could continue and additional regulations or closures could occur throughout the park if necessary.
Isle Royal Food Storage Requirements:
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.
