Lake Superior's last caribou face intense pressure from wolves

While many along the North Shore immediately think of wolves or moose with regard to wildlife management on Lake Superior islands, another iconic species is facing an immediate situation that could involve the word ‘extinction’ by early 2018.

Woodland caribou are facing a critical situation on the Slate Islands and Michipicoten Island. The issue is that wolves are decimating the caribou population on the islands, both located in Ontario north and east of Isle Royale.

A group of concerned citizens has organized a grassroots effort to bring awareness to the caribou’s plight. A link to their website can be found by clicking here.

While Canadian officials consider their options regarding the caribou herd, there is also the notion that wolves from Michipicoten Island could be introduced to Isle Royale to reduce an overpopulation of moose in the National Park.

In addition, North Shore Writer and Publisher of Northern Wilds Shawn Perich has an interesting notion about reintroducing caribou on Isle Royale.

Meanwhile, time is running short for caribou on Lake Superior islands. WTIP’s Joe Friedrichs spoke with Christian Schroeder, a Canadian resident who is at the forefront of the fight to save woodland caribou from extinction on the island of Lake Superior.