ISLE ROYALE, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As the longest predator and prey relationship study continues, five decades later, researchers mark an enormous accomplishment for the predators: the Isle Royale Wolf population has doubled, reaching 28 wolves in the Spring of 2022.

The combined populations of an eastern and western pack on the secluded national park are also the highest since 2006 when there were 30 wolves. One of the greatest contributing factors to the population’s increase was the introduction of non-native wolves to the island to introduce new wolves in the hopes of reducing health issues due to inbreeding.

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Between 2018 and 2019, 19 wolves were relocated to the island from Ontario, Minnesota, and the Upper Peninsula though many died after coming to the island. During the three breeding seasons before their deaths, five new litters of pups were born on the island.

Many of the wolves in the park have been outfitted with GPS trackers to make observations of their day to day lives more accessible – since data must be collected on foot or by plane.

With the rise of the wolf population, there is hope of keeping the moose population in check. The moose population of the island has dropped 28% since 2020 to 1,346, but wolves are only accounting for 9% of their deaths according to a Ecological Studies of Wolves on Isle Royale prepared by Michigan Tech University.

A shortage of Balsam Fir and blood-sucking winter ticks have caused malnutrition and disease which have contributed far more to the decline in the moose population. Researchers fear that if foliage in the area does not support the moose herds may continue to dwindle leading to yet another decline for the wolf packs.

Those hoping to see the island moose first hand can help document them on a guided tour, and there is always a possibility of viewing a native wolf.