Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf? Better you should ask, “What’s” afraid? When wolves invade a national park campground, garbage containers are the target, at least in Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park. Park rangers are asking campers to help.
Wolves invade campground because they’re “opportunistic”
“Wolves are an integral part of the park ecosystem, and it is critical that we manage our presence responsibly,” said Denice Swanke, Superintendent at Isle Royale National Park, according to a news release. Integral, because the isolated park is also home to moose. Without the park’s present population of 30 wolves, the moose population would get too big, and cause ecological problems.
It’s one thing to having the wolves checking out moose for dinner, but it’s another when they start rooting around in campground garbage dumpsters. But as one expert told Capital News Service, “‘Wolves are very opportunistic and will utilize just about anything as a food source, and obviously getting in the garbage is an easy one,’” said Brian Roell, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ large-carnivore specialist.”
Hazing and other shocking measures just aren’t working
The problem started last July, when a couple of wolves turned “opportunistic” and started hitting the cans at Rock Harbor Campground—one of the busiest camping areas in the park. Rangers tried hazing the them, and that wasn’t enough to keep them away. They’ve also installed electric fences around trash containers. No report on how the wolves are skirting that shocking attempt.
Now park officials are turning to visitors. Hikers can’t leave their backpacks unattended. Food and trash must be kept in containers, like those used to discourage bears from looking for tasty tidbits, or hung up at least 10 feet above ground.
And, by the way, other “smelly” things are also to be kept secured. Campers are not to leave “items like shoes and socks” unattended. Apparently, they might just walk away with an opportunistic wolf.
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Thank you, Russ and Tina! How odd and disappointing that the rangers have had to instruct people on keeping their food and garbage inaccessible to wildlife. Thanks again, Russ and Tina! Have a great week, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂