Wolf Put Down After Food Raids At Isle Royale Campsites

A wolf had been stealing storage bags and backpacks containing food from campsites and, unfortunately, had to be euthanized by a park ranger.

Wolves traveled to Isle Royale across the ice from Canada and have had a presence there since the 1940s. People have been camping there since 1935 but lately the two have been crossing paths at campsites.

Wolves on Isle Royale

Wolves crossed Lake Superior on the ice in search of food in 1948 when they landed on Isle Royale. They have remained there since to feed on the moose population. This has become the world's longest running predator-prey study.

The natural wolf population had nearly a 70 year run before inbreeding and disease crippled the herd. Wolves had to be reintroduced to Isle Royale in 2018, and four wolf packs are managing the moose population on the island.

Read More: Deadly Parasite Endangers Moose in Michigan

Competition for food may have caused one rogue wolf to find another source on the island.

Isle Royale Wolf Killed After Raiding Campsites For Food

When animals come in close contact with people, they begin to become conditioned to their presence, especially when they don't feel threatened. This happens with bears, coyotes, and wolves.

According to WXYZ TV, Isle Royale National Park officials said throughout June and July, park managers said at least two wolves were regularly gathering human food from campsites.

After the wolves had made many trips to the campsites, they started developing a reliance on the human food. The wolves then started showing up around visitors, campsites, and park staff housing areas.

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Unfortunately, one of the wolves continued to escalated boldness around visitors and park officials had to euthanize the animal.

👇BELOW: The Wolves of Michigan👇