Isle Royale wolves accessing human food and garbage at some campgrounds
A wolf on Isle Royale. Photo via National Park Services
ISLE ROYALE, Mich. (FOX 2) - The National Park Service is rolling out new rules for storage following reports that wolves on Isle Royale are accessing garbage and human food at some campgrounds.
Wolves have been encroaching on sites on the east side of the island, leading to new food storage guidelines first announced over the weekend.
Campgrounds under the new guidelines include Rock Harbor, Three Mile, Lane Cove, Daisy Farm, Moskey Basin, Duncan Bay, Duncan Narrows, and Merritt Lane.
Dozens of wolves were re-introduced to the island three years ago as a means of helping the population, which had diminished over time. Since then, their numbers have stabilized, while the moose population has fallen.
But with dozens of more wolves, the likelihood of interactions between them and humans is now higher. According to Isle Royale's park rangers, they have begun checking out campgrounds for potential sources of food.
Officials are now using electric fencing around dumpsters. When they're full, they are removed promptly, while individual trash cans are being replaced with dumpsters and eventually, bear-proof style trash cans.
As a result, new guidelines for storing food are now in effect. They include:
- Never leaving packs unattended - especially, anything with food or trash in it.
- When storing them at a campground, shelters are now approved for securing items
- Larger campsite shelters have gated lockers
- Scented items should be stored in scent-proof bags or containers
- An alternative to scent-proof bags is hanging up those items