The Last Wolves of Isle Royale

Author

Kasey Rahn, University of Montana - MissoulaFollow

Year of Award

2015

Document Type

Professional Paper

Degree Type

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Name

Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism

Department or School/College

School of Journalism

Committee Chair

Joe Eaton

Commitee Members

Henriette Lowisch, Mark Hebblewhite

Keywords

wolves, Isle Royale National Park, inbreeding, genetic rescue

Abstract

Isle Royale National Park, located in Michigan, is home to a wolf population that is in decline due to complications from inbreeding. Scientists and managers struggle to decide whether to intervene. Some scientists promote bringing new wolves to the island to restore the population because they say the decline is human-caused. Others promote “watchful waiting.” To date, the National Park Service has not interceded and is currently undergoing a management planning process. The issue raises questions about what it means to manage wildlife in an era of change. Should humans intervene to protect wildlife in the face of climate change and human impact?

Recommended Citation

Rahn, Kasey, "The Last Wolves of Isle Royale" (2015). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 4494.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/4494