MPR: Coldest winter in decades could help Isle Royale wolves

[geardaddy]

http://blogs.mprnews.org/statewide/2014/02/coldest-winter-in-decades-could-save-isle-royale-wolves/

For the first time since 2008 an ice bridge has formed across Lake Superior and is connecting Isle Royale to the mainland — a possible godsend for the wolves of Isle Royale, which face the possibility of extinction.

If climate projections are accurate, only one or two more ice bridges are likely before the lake is expected to be perpetually free of any significant ice formation by 2040. (National Park Service Wolf and Moose Project)


The population has dwindled in recent years and is desperately in need of new genetic material from mainland wolves that can now migrate across Lake Superior to the island from Canada. Researcher Rolf Peterson confirmed to Michigan Radio that “a good ice bridge” has been in place since the beginning of February.



more at link.

[geardaddy]

1. Kickety.

[bklyncowgirl]

2. Glad someone's enjoying this weather. I was there a few years ago, a wonderful, remote place.

We kayaked out to our campsite. Did not see any wolves but we did catch sight of a few moose. They are very concerned about the effect of climate change on both species.

[postulater]

5. It's been thirty years since I was there.

We had a wolf walk up to us at our campsite.

Is the moose population still holding? I remember they were decreasing in the last decade or so.

[bklyncowgirl]

6. When the wolf population goes down the moose population goes up.

Unfortunately the island can only support so many moose. Without wolves culling the herd they sicken and die. Climate change has not been kind to them either. They are cold weather animals.

[hlthe2b]

3. They are such beautiful animals... Undoubtedly why I am drawn to the bue merle pattern

of my Aussie mix...

Much maligned animals that I hope will survive.

[geardaddy]

4. They should never have lifted

their endangered status. Wolves need a much bigger population.