Wolf-Moose Study Marks 50th Anniversary

U.S. scientists are preparing to celebrate 50 years of studying the interaction of wolves and moose at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan.

Situated on the largest island in Lake Superior, the park has provided data from the longest predator-prey study ever conducted, helping to explain the complex environmental factors that influence wildlife systems.

The Isle Royale wolf-moose study, conducted by Michigan Technological University, began in 1958. Throughout 2008, the National Park Service, Michigan Tech and partners in three states will have a series of programs and produce anniversary posters, books, lesson plans, and other special materials commemorating the 50th anniversary.

The study is under the leadership of Rolf Peterson and John Vucetich, population biologists at Michigan Tech’s School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science.

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

The anniversary is a fantastic opportunity to get kids excited about science and to inform the public about wolves, moose, conservation of natural resources and the conduct of scientific research, said Phyllis Green, superintendent of Isle Royale National Park.