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Michigan Department of Natural Resources Official announces results of the state’s winter wolf survey. In 2024 the department estimates the Upper Peninsula has seen 131 new wolves add to the region’s population from 2022. Bringing the total estimated wolf population in the Upper Peninsula to 762 animals. The figures demonstrate continued stability among the state’s wolf population over the past 14 years according to DNR Large Carnivor specialist Brian Roell. When a wild population reaches this stable point, it is typical to see slight variations from year to year, indicating that gray wolves may have reached their biological carrying capacity in the Upper Peninsula. The survey found 158 packs across the Upper Peninsula with an average of less than 5 animals per pack. This is the state survey’s highest estimated population for gray wolves since 2012 the department began its wolf survey.
The department also acknowledges the challenges presented by counting wolves in the northern Lower Peninsula. The last survey was conducted in 2019. The department will plan to conduct a wolf survey in the Lower Peninsula in 2025. Those interested in learning more about the Michigan Department of Natural Resources 2024 winter wolf survey in the Upper Peninsula can find more details here.
