Gray wolf continues to make comeback

August 15, 2007|By Louise Nelle News-Review Staff Writer

Gray wolves have been making a comeback in Michigan, growing from an estimated 17 in 1991 to about 361 in 2004 and counting.

Today, wolves are found mainly in the Upper Peninsula with few located in the Northern Lower Peninsula. So any yelps and howls you here at night are most likely not those of a wolf but of a smaller member of the dog family, the coyote, which is abundant statewide.

But, if you have been lucky enough to hear a wolf howl you may have just experienced the sound which is believed to announce a kill, gather a pack together or simply communicate.

Never fear, though, when you come across a gray wolf or signs that one lives nearby. Wolves typically avoid humans and attacks on humans are rare.


In fact, humans are more a danger to wolves than wolves are a danger to humans. Wolves were nearly eliminated in Michigan as a result of predator control and a wolf bounty which was not repealed until 1960.

Then in 1965, the gray wolf came under state protection as an endangered species and has remained under state protection ever since.

Aside from human activity, diseases and parasites are some of the few threats facing the wolf population. Some of these include rabies, lyme disease, lice, mange, heartworm and canine parvovirus - a viral infection marked by inflammation of the intestines.

Now in the process of recovery, the animal roams the Upper Peninsula with help from its long legs and large feet. Their territory can be anywhere from 31 square miles to 1,200 square miles, varying because of food abundance.

Although the animal has been known to kill livestock, most wolves in Michigan stick to a diet of deer, beaver, rodents and small mammals such as muskrat, raccoons and birds. Even nuts, berries and insects have made appearances on the dinner menu.

Hunting usually takes place at night when wolves are most active. While hunting, wolves exhaust their prey when necessary using their ability to run up to 35 mph and run consistently for longer periods of time at 20 mph. Animals targeted are typically young, old or in poor health.

Both males and females partake in hunting. However, while nursing young the pack's alpha female does not participate. During this time other pack members provide her with food until pups have finished nursing when she will rejoin the hunt.

Louise Nelle can be contacted at 439-9339, or

Petoskey News Articles