Gray Wolf in the Western Great Lakes
Wolves occur naturally in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, and the 2012-2013 population estimate was 3,686 animals. WS personnel work closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the State wildlife agencies to respond to requests for assistance from livestock producers, and WS may trap and relocate wolves, sometimes attaching radio-collars.
Click here to learn more about wolves and wolf management in the Great Lakes area.
In Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin…
WS partners with State Departments of Natural Resources and the FWS to address wolf concerns and livestock losses. WS conducts an integrated wolf damage management program that includes investigations into reported incidences of wolf depredations, provision of fladry and other nonlethal management methods to farmers and removal of wolves under certain circumstances. WS also works with Native American Tribes where appropriate to address wolf concerns on tribal lands, assists researchers in wolf capture and monitoring, and verifies losses for State compensation programs.