Every winter, Michigan Technological University wildlife ecologist and research professor Rolf Peterson trudges through heavy snow, biting winds and the thick forests of Isle Royale, a nearly undisturbed, 206-square-mile island in northwest Lake Superior.
His mission is crucial to the overall health of the island, which also is a national park: He and fellow researchers check the status of the island’s unique, naturally occurring — but virtually captive — wolf pack.
Once numbering as high as 50, the island has averaged 25 wolves over decades, but was down to nine as of last winter’s count.
via A decline in the Isle Royale wolf population is threatening the island’s delicate ecosystem.