An uptick in wolves getting into garbage caused officials at Isle Royale National Park to close parts of two different campgrounds over a five-day period. On July 9, the park closed the Three Mile Campground to off-trail camping including tent and hammock use.

Staffers saw a wolf in the campground, sniffing and pawing at tents, dragging backpacks away from tents and entering a tent. They say it continues to display increasingly bold behavior, including showing signs of habituation and a growing reliance on human food.

On July 14, park officials closed the Duncan Narrows Campground for the second time in a month because of increased wolf activity. It happened after a wolf or wolves entered the inside of a shelter by tearing, scratching and pushing through a screen. The animals pulled clothing and other items out of the shelter and chewed at a cooler stored improperly in the shelter. No campers were in the shelter or harmed when the incident occurred.

During the closure, park staff will intensify hazing efforts during daylight hours in campgrounds and developed areas to discourage the wolf from returning. Hazing methods include loudly shouting, stomping, clapping, sounding airhorns, and discharging paintball guns. Staff will also install noise-producing devices around Rock Harbor, Three Mile and Daisy Farm Campgrounds to alert staff and visitors of wolf presence.

“Visitor safety and the protection of wildlife are our highest priorities,” said Park Superintendent Denice Swanke. "We ask for your support in securing food, trash and scented items consistent with 2026 food storage guidelines.”

The closures are in effect until July 31. At that time, park officials will decide if they reopen the sites. Isle Royale National Park is a remote island wilderness in northern stretches of Lake Superior in northwest Michigan, not far from the Canadian border. It has no other large predators as black bears do not occupy the island. The current wolf population was introduced in 2019 after the previous population naturally died out.

About Hunt 2 Conserve

Hunt 2 Conserve is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Its mission is to advance a legacy of hunting and conservation by educating, activating and developing stewards and defenders of these fundamentally American ideals. For more information, go to hunt2conserve.org.