Michigan seeks volunteers to count wolves Up North
Tired of counting sheep?
How about giving wolves a try.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will survey wolves in the state's northern Lower Peninsula from Tuesday through March 15.
And the department is asking for the public's help in alerting the state to wolf sightings.
According to WPBN-TV, the department is trying to monitor the wolves' presence near M-55.
“It’s important that observations are reported in a timely manner so we can work with fresh sign. Those who find what they believe are wolf tracks should preserve the physical sign and take a photo of the tracks with a ruler in the frame to indicate size,” wildlife biologist Jennifer Kleitch told WPBN-TV. “We’d also be very interested in any recent pictures of a wolf in the northern Lower Peninsula.”
Anyone who sees a wolf may report the sighting online at DNR's Eye of the Field or call the Atlanta Field Office at 989-785-4251.
According to the DNR, about 20 wolves were documented in the early 1990s, but the number has since increased to hundreds. Wolves are largely seen in the Upper Peninsula.
Wolves also have been studied on Isle Royale, where most of them have died. Scientists have tried to re-introduce wolves to the island with mixed success. One recently traveled back to the mainland.
In addition, two men confessed to illegally killing wolves in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
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