Isle Royale National Park Implements New Food Storage Guidelines in Effort to Lower Potential Wolf-Human Interactions

Isle Royale has updated food security rules. Recently the Isle Royale National Park Service announced it will begin implementing new food security rules in the back country to limit potential wolf and human interactions.

The park’s response comes after wolves access human food and garbage in and around Rock Harbor and campgrounds located on the east end of the park. The rules are for the safety of the animals and park visitors. Additionally, the park will implement additional actions to limit potential food access near dumpsters and better waste management. The practices the park asks visitors to follow include best practices for visits in any outdoor space.

Never leave your pack unattended, practice proper storage for food, garbage, and scented materials away from camp. If staying at a campsite shelter do not leave items such as shoes trash or cookware outside. Use food storage containers that have a secured locking mechanism.

The park’s additional efforts will include electric fencing near dumpsters, increased hazing efforts near populated areas, implementing bear-proof style trash cans, and increased signage informing visitors of the new guidelines.

Those interested in learning more about the Isle Royale National Park’s new rules for food storage can find a full copy of the release below.

Isle Royale National Park Implements New Food Storage Guidelines To Reduce Human – Wildlife Interactions 

HOUGHTON, MICH. – In response to wolves accessing human food and garbage in and around Rock Harbor and campgrounds located on the east end of the island, Isle Royale National Park is implementing new food storage guidelines to ensure the safety of visitors and wildlife. Campgrounds currently affected are Rock Harbor, Three Mile, Lane Cove, Daisy Farm, Moskey Basin, Duncan Bay, Duncan Narrows, and Merritt Lane. The park compendium provides park-specific regulations and will be updated and available online the week of July 15.  Visitors are reminded that feeding wildlife is prohibited.

Effective immediately, these new protocols are required for all visitors entering the affected areas:

• Never Leave Packs Unattended: Keep your day pack/backpack (anything with food or trash in it) with you at all times and/or assign a group member to closely monitor packs in your absence.
• Proper Storage:Storage of food, garbage, and other scented materials in a campsite now requires following additional procedures including:
  • Secure your food and trash
    • The storage of food, garbage, and other scented materials in tents and unattended packs is not permitted.
    • Campsite shelters are an approved location to secure all items. DO NOT leave items like shoes, socks, food, trash, and cookware unattended outside a shelter.
    • For those not in shelters, large, gated lockers (kennels or bear-proof canisters) are now in place at Lane Cove, Rock Harbor, Three Mile, Daisy Farm and Moskey Basin campgrounds. These are for storage of food and trash at tent and group sites.
    • Scented items should be stored in scent-proof bags or containers.
    • As an alternative to scent-proof bags, visitors who have appropriate equipment and knowledge are encouraged to hang their food at a height greater than 10’.
    • If storage space is unavailable, please work with fellow campers to store your items in the shelter they are occupying or hang your food.

The park is taking the following additional actions:

• Increased Hazing Efforts:Park staff have increased hazing efforts to discourage wolves from approaching populated areas.
• Electric Fencing:Electric fencing is being installed around dumpsters in the Rock Harbor area to prevent wolves from accessing and scavenging food waste.
• Efficient Waste Management: Full dumpsters are promptly removed to minimize attractants. Individual trash cans in Rock Harbor are being replaced with dumpsters and eventually bear-proof style trash cans.
• Enhanced Communication: Increased signage and messaging are being deployed throughout the park to inform visitors about new guidelines and safety measures. Through communication park staff can empower visitors to make changes that will ensure their safety and maintain the natural behaviors of park wildlife.

“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. “Implementation will occur on July 13, 2024. Rangers will communicate these changes with visitors upon entering the park and during camping orientations. These changes and any updated information will also be made available on our website and social media platforms. Our goal is to safeguard wildlife while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.”

For more information, please visit our website, Isle Royale National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)                                                           

www.nps.gov