Wolf vs. Moose

In the late 1940s, a pack of wolves crossed the frozen waters of Lake Superior to an island near the Michigan-Canadian border known as Isle Royale. There they found not only a safe haven from hunters, but also abundant moose to feast on.

Scientists at Michigan Technological University have been studying this relationship between moose and wolves at Isle Royale National Park for nearly half a century. And starting next year, Michigan Tech and partners in three states will host educational events as well as produce anniversary posters, books, and lesson plans to commemorate the study’s 50th anniversary. 

The wolf-moose study was launched in 1958 by biologist Durward Allen to chronicle fluctuations in both populations and the environmental changes that might help explain these fluctuations.

Today, the study continues under the leadership of Michigan Tech’s Rolf Peterson and John Vucetich, who collect moose and wolf bones to analyze vegetation, climate, and environmental contamination.

With this data, the scientists have been able to assess the levels of mercury and lead accumulation in moose bones before and after changes in clean air regulations.

"Although wolves and moose are in the spotlight, this study has implications for understanding the broader components of an ecosystem," said Peterson.

—LiveScience Staff

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Credit: Michigan Technological University