Isle Royale Kills Wolf After Numerous 'Concerning Incidents'

ISLE ROYALE, MI — Isle Royale National Park officials said Friday they had to kill one of the island’s wolves after multiple concerning incidents with park visitors and becoming too reliant on human food.

The wolf was killed earlier this month, officials said. Officials did not release the name and gender of the wolf.

"Our priority remains the safety of park visitors and staff, and the protection of wildlife in their natural state, including our objective to maintain a wild wolf population. While lethal removal is deeply unfortunate, it became necessary due to a growing public safety risk. All who appreciate and enjoy Isle Royale National Park need to understand the importance of adherence and vigilance to food storage regulations and our collective role in minimizing negative human-wildlife interactions," Isle Royale Superintendent, Denice Swanke said.

Officials said at least two wolves were repeatedly seen taking food from campgrounds and other developed areas on the island throughout June and July. Officials said the wolves were showing signs of habituation and a reliance on human food sources.

In one instance, officials said the wolves were seen dragging away food storage bags and backpacks at numerous campsites.

Despite proactive management efforts, including aversive conditioning, changes in waste management practices and implementation of food storage regulations, these wolves continued to display escalating boldness around visitors, campsites, and staff housing areas, officials said.

Park personnel said they will continue to track wolf/human interactions and remove additional wolves only if necessary.

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