PURPOSE OF THE WOLF-MOOSE PROJECT
The wolf-moose project of Isle Royale is the longest running study of any predator-prey system in the world. The project celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2008.
For more than 50 years, the central purpose of the wolf-moose project has been to better know the wolves and moose of Isle Royale – how they live and die, from day-to-day, across the seasons, and through the years. We aim to better know the behavior, population dynamics, and ecosystem influences of wolves and moose.
The project also works hard to share these discoveries. In doing so, the project also goes far beyond the boundaries of conventional science. The wolf-moose project includes a traveling museum exhibit, art, extensive educational outreach, and a unique opportunity for people like you to be involved in the research.
PURPOSE OF MOOSEWATCH
The wolf-moose project is comprised of both a winter and summer field season. Moosewatch expeditions are a critical component of the summer field season. During the past two decades more than 400 people have contributed to the project by participating in an expedition.
The central objective of Moosewatch is to hike and search as much area as possible for moose bones. The bones of these moose provide a great deal of information: cause of death, age at time of death, year of death, and the condition of the moose at the time death. More that 4300 Isle Royale moose have been discovered and examined. The project curates the world’s largest collection of moose bones. A great deal of what we know about Isle Royale’s moose come from these bones.
Other objectives of Moosewatch expeditions vary, and include observing moose to estimate spring-time, hair loss (which is an indication of ticks have impacted moose), collecting wolf scat for DNA analysis, and more.
In addition to all this activity, you’ll also have time to learn a much about the natural history of Isle Royale and its denizens and time to simply enjoy the beauty of nature.
Special note on wolves. – It is very important that you understand that Moosewatch is not intended to be an opportunity to observe wolves. Seeing a wolf during MooseWatch is extremely unlikely. We go out of our way to avoid any kind of interaction with wolves. Isle Royale wolves face a daily struggle in summer to raise growing pups and to stay alive themselves. For these and other reasons, human contact is not desired.
You will, however, be traveling through and living in country where wolves travel and live. Moosewatchers often see wolf tracks, dropping, and other evidence of their presence.
