HOUGHTON, MICH. – Officials at Isle Royale National Park have closed the Duncan Narrows Campground for the second time this month following increased wolf activity at campsites due to improperly stored food. The current closure runs from through July 31, with the possibility of an extension if necessary.
Over the weekend, a wolf or wolves accessed the interior of a shelter by tearing, scratching and pushing though the screen. The wolves pulled clothing and other items out of the shelter and chewed at a cooler stored improperly in the shelter. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Thankfully no campers were in the shelter at the time and no one was injured.
“Efforts earlier this month to deter wolf activity at the Duncan Narrows Campground through a shorter closure and increased hazing were ineffective. To address the interest wolves have with human food and trash and the continued non-compliance with food storage regulations in this campground, the park decided to close the campground for the remainder of the month.”
Park staff will monitor the closure and continue to conduct hazing to discourage wolves from entering the campground. Hazing operations include the use of paintball guns, air horns, and installation of motion-sensing noise-producing devices.
Duncan Narrows Campground is accessible only by water to visitors with boats, kayaks, and/or canoes. Specific food storage guidance for boaters and paddlers and all visitors can be found at Food Storage – Isle Royale National Park (U.S. National Park. Closures could continue and additional regulations or closures could occur throughout the park if necessary.
