Researchers Say Remote Lake Superior Island's Wolves Are Thriving As Packs Prey On Moose

CBS Minnesota

April 27, 2026 / 7:21 AM CDT

Wolves on a remote island in Lake Superior appear to be thriving, but they're making deep dents in the moose population that they rely on as a leading food source, according to a report released Monday.

Isle Royale is a 134,000-acre national park in far western Lake Superior between Grand Marais, Minnesota, and Thunder Bay, Canada. The island is a natural laboratory, offering scientists a rare opportunity to observe wolves and moose largely free from human influence.

Researchers have conducted wolf and moose population surveys on the island since 1958. The surveys had been an annual winter event when the roadless island is closed to visitors, but researchers have run into obstacles in recent years.

Click here for the full story via CBS Minnesota

CBS Local Digital Media personalizes the global reach of CBS-owned and operated television and radio stations with a local perspective.