FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 20 Jun 01
CONTACT: Jim Hammill or Pat Lederle, 906-875-6622 or 517-373-1263
MICHIGAN'S WOLF POPULATION CONTINUES TO RISE
LANSING--Results of the most recent wolf survey conducted by the Michigan
Department of Natural Resources indicate there are at least 249 wolves now
roaming Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
DNR Wildlife Biologist Jim Hammill said public support, an excellent prey
base boosted by recent mild winters, and room to roam are key factors in
the recovery of wolves. The Michigan pack rebounded from a low of three
animals on Michigan's mainland in 1989, to last year's count of 216, to the
most recent count of 249.
"We all should be inspired by the fact wolves are doing so well in
Michigan," Hammill said. "The scientific program to recover Michigan's
population of wolves is working as it should. Further, the public education
effort has provided the public with a better understanding of the balance
of nature and ecosystems, predator-prey relationships and the public is
generally supportive of the wolf's return."
During the past winter, more than 2,000 person-hours were spent determining
the wolf count, which included sightings, tracking and other evidence of
the presence of wolves. In addition, the DNR continues to monitor 38 wolves
that have been fitted with radio collars.
"We found clear evidence that wolves are present in all Upper Peninsula
counties," Hammill said, "and we have verified several litters of pups this
spring that likely will add to next year's population." The annual rate of
increase n recent years has been about 24 percent.
This good news also bodes well for Michigan's ability to manage the
animals, according to Pat Lederle, DNR Endangered Species Program
Coordinator. Federal law provides for a reclassification of the wolf from
endangered to threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Reclassification can be accomplished when combined populations in Michigan
and Wisconsin reach 100 wolves for a five-year period. That goal has been
met. Reclassification under Michigan's endangered species protection law
also is in progress, a necessary action that parallels federal reclassification.
Reclassification will provide flexibility in managing the growing wolf
population in Michigan and Wisconsin, allowing managers to euthanize wolves
that have caused problems, especially to the livestock industry. The
current, federally-mandated, "endangered" status does not permit lethal
control. "Although it is doubtful such actions would be common, the DNR
will use lethal control methods if it becomes necessary," Lederle said.
"The majority of our citizens have welcomed the increasing wolf population,
yet we are sensitive to human attitudes and the potential for the animal's
natural activity to cause ill feelings with people, especially in the
agricultural community."
The DNR, in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Agriculture,
Defenders of Wildlife and the International Wolf Center, recently
established a Michigan Wolf Compensation Program, which provides complete
reimbursement to farmers for any livestock killed by a wolf. To date,
compensation has been paid to five livestock owners in the Upper Peninsula
who have had cattle or sheep killed by wolves.
The gray wolf is native to Michigan and once was relatively abundant across
the state. However, numbers declined because of persecution by people who
viewed wolves as dangerous to humans, game populations and the needs of the
agricultural community. Protection measures at both the federal and state
levels for many years have allowed the wolf population to rebound. All
wolves now in Michigan came here through natural immigration from Canada,
Wisconsin and Minnesota, or were born here.
"The recent wolf recovery in Michigan is a remarkable story of natural
recovery." Hammill said. "It's an amazing renewal of a native species to
regain its historic place in the forest. The return of the wolf is a
benefit to the entire ecosystem and a conservation success story for
Michigan."
The DNR encourages citizens to report any sightings of wolves. Persons who
see a wolf, find a wolf track or other evidence of a wolf can contact any
DNR office to obtain a wolf observation report form and information on
wolves in Michigan. The form and more information also can found on the DNR
Web site by clicking here.
Wolf recovery efforts are paid for, in part, by the Nongame Wildlife Fund.
The Fund is supported by citizen contributions and the sale of Wildlife
Habitat license plates.http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/PressReleaseDetail.asp?LinkID=31&sec=main&ReleaseID=3245&imageid=3
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