Mar 7, 2016
Lone wolves
Sharon and I are planning a trip to Isle Royale this summer, so over the weekend we attended a presentation at MSU by Thomas Hurst, an expert on the wolf/moose dynamics on the island.
We were surprised to learn that the wolf population on the island is down to two. Yes, two. The population crash is largely the result of genetic deformities caused by inbreeding. Warmer winters in recent years have failed to provide a so-called “ice bridge” that allows new wolves to reach the island from Canada.
The island’s moose, which depend on the wolves, to prevent overcrowding, are also in trouble.
Yet another consequence of climate change.